Sunset Strip

Original Screenplay Written by Jason Wiese

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese

FADE IN EXT. LOS ANGELES, CA - NIGHT A Greyhound Bus with a windshield sign indicating its from Indiana drives down I-405 then through the streets of downtown Los Angeles. INT. GREYHOUND BUS The bus is dark inside and only half-filled, with most passengers either sleeping or quietly reading a book. DAKOTA JAMES, a scruffy guy in his early twenties with long, dirty blonde hair, is peacefully sleeping on a rolled up sweatshirt against a window. The bus turns onto EXT. HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD NIGHT And drives through the bright lights and high energy excitement on the street. INT. GREYHOUND BUS Dakota wakes up and groggily rubs his eyes. He becomes more alert as he looks out the window and sees a mass of people walking down the street along with the bright lights from the various neon signs filling the sky. The bus passes the Chinese Theater then comes to a stop at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. The bus door opens and the passengers begin to gather their stuff and file off the bus. Dakota grabs his duffel bag and guitar case and exits. EXT. HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD NIGHT Dakota steps off the bus and is immediately enthralled by all the sights surrounding him.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese TITLE CARD: HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA 1985 He takes a moment to appreciate everything then looks down to the ground and notices that hes standing on a star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He takes a second to admire it, then starts walking slowly down the street. Dakota passes by a few sleeping homeless men covered up in blankets along the side of the street then a lonely BUSKER whos playing his guitar in front of a store with a tip cup directing passers-by to drop in change. EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD NIGHT Dakota, still carrying his luggage from the bus, is walking down the street in awe by the assault of all the billboards around him. He approaches the famed RAINBOW BAR & GRILL and looks at all the WANNABE ROCK STARS and their GROUPIES hanging out on the patio. Theyre eating, drinking, smoking, having a good ole time; a few couples are even making out. As Dakota walks by the restaurant, he notices a hastily made, handwritten Help Wanted sign hanging on the side of the building facing the street. He stares at the sign then rips it off the building and carries it with him around to the patio entrance. The big, burly BOUNCER stops him as he tries to enter. RAINBOW BOUNCER Hold up boss, can I help you? Dakota doesnt utter a word, opting instead to just hold up the Help Wanted sign. RAINBOW BOUNCER Alright. The bouncer steps aside to let Dakota into the EXT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL, PATIO NIGHT Dakota traverses his way around the patio and through all the people partying. Hes happy to be within his element,

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese mixed within the epicenter of the very culture he dreamed to be a part of back in Indiana. He looks over to a table where he sees a couple taking bong hits with each other. As he makes his way to the other side of the patio by the restaurant entrance, he stops a WAITRESS who is rushing by him and just points to his sign. The waitress, not wanting to be bothered since shes so busy, just turns and points to the entrance. RAINBOW WAITRESS (hastily) Over there darling. Dakota approaches the entrance and looks in to see the bustling activity of WAITRESSES, WAITERS and BUS BOYS rushing back and forth through the hallway and dining rooms. INT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL He walks into the brightly-lit and bustling KITCHEN Where he stops a BUS BOY that is carrying a tray of dishes. DAKOTA JAMES Hey man, who do I have to talk to about a job? Without skipping a beat, the bus boy turns around and points to one of the CHEFS as he continues walking across the kitchen. With that, Dakota approaches the chef who is busy barking out orders to his staff. DAKOTA JAMES I need a job. The chef maintains his frantic pace around the kitchen with Dakota in toe and doesnt even look at him when he speaks. RAINBOW CHEF What are your qualifications?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) I love rock n roll and I heard this was the place to be. RAINBOW CHEF (laughs dismissively) Cute. I mean what are your qualifications for the job? This is a restaurant after all. DAKOTA JAMES I dont even know what the job is. RAINBOW CHEF Bus boy. OK. DAKOTA JAMES Then I have no qualifications.

RAINBOW CHEF So why should I hire you then? Look around this place, its a madhouse. Everyone working in lockstep with each other, why do you think you can keep up? DAKOTA JAMES Because I need money. RAINBOW CHEF Its the 80s kid, who doesnt need money? DAKOTA JAMES Give me a chance, thats all I ask. RAINBOW CHEF Everyone says that, but when they come in here they realize they dont want to work and are out by the night shift. Why should I think youd be any different? DAKOTA JAMES Because I just am. The chef finally decides to stop rushing around to take a look at Dakota. He eyes him up and down.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese RAINBOW CHEF Well you certainly look the part to work here. (pauses) OK, youve job. Were closing up here soon for the night, so start tomorrow. 11am sharp. DAKOTA JAMES Good. EXT. SEEDY MOTEL - NIGHT A two-story building is sitting alongside a highly traveled road with a flickering, red neon sign hanging from the front that says Motel with the O letter burnt out. The motel is pretty vacant with only a few cars in the parking lot. INT. SEEDY MOTEL LOBBY Dakota James walks towards a counter with a shady-looking, older MAN standing behind it. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE Can I help you? DAKOTA JAMES I need a room for the night. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE OK, thatll be $20and Ill need your ID. Dakota reaches into his pocket, pulls his drivers license from his wallet and gives it to the employee. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE Ill also need the ID of the girl youre here with. DAKOTA JAMES (confused) What girl?

What?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese The employee is surprised that Dakota isnt bringing in a prostitute since the motel is such a cheap, seedy place. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE You dont have a girl with you? DAKOTA JAMES No. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYE Come on, you can tell me. Its not like Im going to give this info to the cops. DAKOTA JAMES (annoyed) I dont have a girl. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE I guess theres a first for everything. DAKOTA JAMES Look, I got into town an hour ago from Indiana. I just need a place to stay for the night. The employee picks up a room key and hands it to Dakota. SEEDY MOTEL EMPLOYEE Hey man, I dont need to know your business. Just if there was going to be anyone else in your room. Its a liability thing. Anyways, heres youre key. Room 18. ROOM 18 The door opens to a motel room decorated with only the bare essentials a beat up bed, a beat up table by the window, a beat up dresser and an old TV resting on top of it and in walks Dakota. He flips on a light switch and puts his duffel bag down by the door. Then he sets his case down on the table and takes out his guitar. He lays down on his bed and begins to just quietly play his guitar. Hes by himself, just him and his music.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese INT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL, KITCHEN Dakota is busy washing dishes in the sink of the hectic kitchen. Hes already gotten into a good grove of washing then drying the dishes and setting them into a tray. Just as he gets down to the last couple of plates in the sink, a waiter hustles into the kitchen and throws a bunch of newly dirty plates into the sink, splashing water onto Dakota in the process, then rushes out without skipping a beat. Dakota throws a towel down in frustration. DAKOTA JAMES God damn it, Ive been here four hours and I already hate it. A fellow bus boy, JULES MORGAN, of similar age and ethnicity as Dakota, hears him complain as he carries a tray full of soup bowls across the kitchen. JULES MORGAN What did you expect? That you were going to love it? Were entry level. DAKOTA JAMES I dont know what I expected, I just needed the money. JULES MORGAN Well youre going to have to put up with some shit if you want money here. DAKOTA JAMES I havent even seen any famous rockers yet. JULES MORGAN Kind of hard to see anybody famous in the kitchen of a restaurant. (pauses) I dont recognize you, how long have you been working here for? DAKOTA JAMES I dont know, about four hours.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN (laughs) Well thats the other problem. Its still early, the rockers dont come out until after midnight. But that still doesnt solve your fundamental problem of being stuck here in the kitchen. DAKOTA JAMES I might be stuck here now, but not for long. I have a plan. Oh really? JULES MORGAN Whats your plan?

DAKOTA JAMES Im a musician. JULES MORGAN So is half this city. The other half think theyre actors. And the other other half are women trying to fuck all these struggling musician and wannabe actors. DAKOTA JAMES But I came here to make it. JULES MORGAN So did everyone else. Whats your name? DAKOTA JAMES Dakota James. JULES MORGAN Dakota, Im Jules, Jules Morgan. Dakota, where you from? DAKOTA JAMES Indiana. JULES MORGAN Dakota from Indiana. The Chef marches back into the kitchen and immediately yells at the two guys for conversing with each other even though they were working throughout their talk. So

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese RAINBOW CHEF Hey what are you assholes doing? This isnt social hour, were paying you to clean shit up, not to talk. So clean shit up. LATER ON THAT NIGHT EXT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL, BEHIND THE RESTAURANT NIGHT Dakota and Jules are sitting on the backdoor stoop relaxing on their break with a pack of cigarettes. JULES MORGAN So Dakota from Indiana, what kind of music you play? DAKOTA JAMES (lights up) Rock n Roll. Heavy metal. JULES MORGAN Really? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, why else you think I want to hang out around the Rainbow? JULES MORGAN For the free food? DAKOTA JAMES Yes, but this place has so much history, I just wanted to be a part of it. JULES MORGAN And the kitchen counts? DAKOTA JAMES Its a start. JULES MORGAN So what do you expect? To be discovered in the kitchen? It doesnt work like that. DAKOTA JAMES I dont know. I guess I havent thought that through.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN I thought you had a plan? DAKOTA JAMES I do, from step two on, I havent really figured out step one though. JULES MORGAN So are you in a band? No, not here. DAKOTA JAMES I came out here by myself.

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JULES MORGAN What do you play? DAKOTA JAMES Mainly vocals, but I like to jam on the guitar too. JULES MORGAN Interesting. DAKOTA JAMES Whys that? I thought you said people like me are a dime a dozen out here. JULES MORGAN They are. But most are already in bands. Youre totally a free agent. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, it sucks. JULES MORGAN (smiles) Maybe it doesnt. DAKOTA JAMES Whys that? JULES MORGAN Me and my brother actually have a band with an old high school buddy of ours, were called Helter Skelter. We really havent done anything yet, just rocking out in random spaces, we havent played a real set anywhere outside of a high (MORE)

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN (contd) school prom or two. Our vocalist, another old high school friend of ours, just left the band last week for grad school, apparently he didnt see too much of a future for the band. But I do, and were looking for someone else. DAKOTA JAMES I could be your new guy. JULES MORGAN Slow down there chief. I dont know you. I dont know your music. (pauses) But Ill let you audition. That is if you think youre up to it. DAKOTA JAMES You kidding me? Ive been waiting for this moment my whole life. When should we do this? JULES MORGAN How about tomorrow afternoon? DAKOTA JAMES Fine with me, I dont have anything else to do. JULES MORGAN Where you staying? DAKOTA JAMES Ahh, right now at an hourly motel somewhere on La Cienega I think its called. Theyre giving me a daily rate though. JULES MORGAN Listen, me and my brother have a couch you can crash on. Why dont you do that? I mean we have a small apartment, its nothing special, but its got to be better than a whore hostel, right? Besides, even if this band thing doesnt work out with us, were still co-workers, working in this shit grind of a place, so that should count for something.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Sounds good to me. INT. JULES & FREDDIES APARTMENT Jules and Dakota walk into his cramped, one-bedroom apartment. There are two beaten up couches within the living room that surround a cluttered glass table filled with bills, music magazines and a bong. In front of the couches is a long bookcase, filled with records and cassette tapes, with a TV sitting on top of it. Jules older brother, FREDDIE MORGAN, is relaxing on one of the couches staring intently at the TV while casually smoking a marijuana joint. Freddie is slightly older than Jules and Dakota but has the same general look a mix of grungy and hippy with very long brown hair. JULES MORGAN Whats up Freddie? FREDDIE MORGAN (grunts) Uh. JULES MORGAN Yo, this is my co-worker Dakota. Freddie slowly turns his head and looks Dakota up and down then nods his head. FREDDIE MORGAN Whats up man? DAKOTA JAMES Ahhh, nothing. JULES MORGAN Dakota is a musician too. Freddie goes back to watching TV, seemingly not wanting to be bothered by his new houseguest.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN (unimpressed) Thats cool. JULES MORGAN Hey Dakota, make yourself comfortable. Dakota sets down his duffel bag and guitar case by the door then sits down on the couch as Jules walks over to the tiny kitchen in the corner of the room. JULES MORGAN Can I get you something to eat? I can probably make you a ham sandwich without the ham. I should have Sunbeam bread somewhere around here. DAKOTA JAMES Sure. Jules rifles through his nearly bare refrigerator and pulls out an almost empty bottle of mustard. JULES MORGAN Youre in luck, we have some mustard left too. You want mustard? DAKOTA JAMES OK. Dakota just sits on the couch, feeling a little uncomfortable especially since Freddie is making no effort to engage him. Finally after a few moments, Freddie turns to look at Dakota again. JULES MORGAN So whats your deal dude? DAKOTA JAMES Well, Im from Indiana and I, uhhh, just JULES MORGAN (interrupts) Yo man, I didnt ask for your life story, I asked what your deal is.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (confused) Im sorry, I uhh dont understand. JULES MORGAN What do you play? DAKOTA JAMES Oh, got it. I play the guitar, but mostly I do vocals. Jules walks over to the couch carrying two paper plates with bread sandwiches on them. He hands one over to Dakota. JULES MORGAN Here you go my man, one bread sandwich, with mustard, just for you. FREDDIE MORGAN Yo, you know your friend over here thinks he can do vocals? JULES MORGAN Yeah, thats why I brought him over. FREDDIE MORGAN (looks at Dakota) So youre interested in joining a band? DAKOTA JAMES Yes, of course, definitely. FREDDIE MORGAN You do rock n roll, heavy metal? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah. FREDDIE MORGAN Who do you like? What are your influences? What gets your dick hard? DAKOTA JAMES Jesus, so many. Of course Rolling Stones. AC/DC, Aerosmith, Queen, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath. Oh and I love me some Skynyrd.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Thats good, thats very good. JULES MORGAN (laughs) What does an Indiana boy know about Skynyrd? DAKOTA JAMES Hey, I love rock of all kinds, doesnt matter if its from Alabama, Los Angeles Britain, or Timbuktu. Freddie takes a hit from his marijuana joint then continues. FREDDIE MORGAN So let me explain what our band is all about. First and foremost, were not like one of these glam bands that have been infecting LA recently. Were real, were raw, were gritty, were heavy metal, rock n roll. Its not about wearing make-up or looking androgynous, its about the music for us. We look at ourselves in the same vein as the Stones, or Zeppelin or Aerosmith, just a little harder, a little more grit and rawness, you know what Im saying? DAKOTA JAMES (smiles in approval) I know exactly what youre sayingand I think its great because thats what Im all about too. FREDDIE MORGAN So you like what youre hearing? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, sounds awesome. Freddie passes his joint to Dakota. FREDDIE MORGAN Good so why dont we just cut the bullshit and small talk and just jam out right fucking now to see what you got?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES What, now? FREDDIE MORGAN Well you can finish your mustard sandwich first, but afterwards, why not? We got nothing better to do. DAKOTA JAMES Where we going to jam? FREDDIE MORGAN Well not here. We have neighbors, were not animals after all. JULES MORGAN We can go to Skylars garage. (looks at Dakota) Skylar is our other band member, he lives at home with his parents. They have a garage that we jam in sometimes. DAKOTA JAMES Its late, wont they get pissed off about the noise? JULES MORGAN Probably. FREDDIE MORGAN Thats OK man, we dont give a fuck about authority. INT. SKYLARS PARENTS GARAGE The three current band members Freddie, the lead guitarist, Jules, the drummer, and SKYLAR PENNINGTON, the bassist are busy setting up their respective equipment in the middle of a cleared out section of the non-descript garage. Skylar looks pretty similar to his band counterparts scruffy, long dirty blonde hair, tricked out in denim and in his early twenties. JULES MORGAN Yo Skylar, you sure its ok for us to jam here? Its like 2:30 in the morning.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Oh yeah, totally cool. My parents are in Cabo San Lucas or some shit like that for the week. JULES MORGAN What about your neighbors? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Fuck em. One of those assholes caught me smoking weed on the back porch the other week and told my mom. FREDDIE MORGAN Damn, what did she do? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Nothing really, she was a hippie back in the 60s, so she gets it, but whatever, I dont need neighbors in my shit, you know what Im saying? JULES MORGAN I hear that man. As the rhythm guitarist, Dakota takes a moment to tune his instrument and strum a few chords. FREDDIE MORGAN You ready to rock? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, what are we going to play? FREDDIE MORGAN I dunno, lets do one of our songs. You pick. The three band members watch Dakotas confused look for a few moments until they all break out in laughter. FREDDIE MORGAN (laughs) Im just fucking with you, no one knows our music. JULES MORGAN Yet.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN But seriously, what song do you want to do? DAKOTA JAMES Doesnt matter to me, I can do anything. FREDDIE MORGAN Confidence, I like that. DAKOTA JAMES Im going to need it if Im going to be a rock star. FREDDIE MORGAN You say you like Aerosmith, right? DAKOTA JAMES You know it. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, how do you feel about a little Dream On? DAKOTA JAMES (smiles) I like it, its apropos too. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Im not sure I even know what that means, but lets do it. Skylar and the band does some last minute tuning to their instruments. FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) 1, 2, a 1, 2, 3. The band begins playing the Aerosmith song, Dream On. Dakota stares down at the ground to concentrate intently while the musical introduction plays, then he looks up and grabs the microphone stand in front of him as the lyrics begin. DAKOTA JAMES Every time when I look in the mirror All these lines on my face getting clearer (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) The past is gone It went by, like dusk to dawn Isn't that the way Everybody's got the dues in life to pay I know nobody knows Where it comes and where it goes I know it's everybodys sin You got to lose to know how to win Half my life is books written pages Live and learn from fools and from sages You know it's true, oh All these things you do come back to you Sing with me, sing for the years Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears Sing with me, just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good lord will take you away Yeah, sing with me, sing for the year Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear Sing with me, just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away Dream on, Dream on, Dream on Dream until your dreams come true Dream on, Dream on, Dream on Dream until your dreams come true Dream on, Dream on, Dream on, Dream on, Dream on, Dream on, Dream on Sing with me, sing for the year Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear Sing with me, just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away Sing with me, sing for the year Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear Sing with me, just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away The performance was rock solid and Dakota killed it on the vocals.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Dakota though isnt sure of what the other band members thought, so after a moment of quietness hes anxious to get their reaction. DAKOTA JAMES What did you think? FREDDIE MORGAN That fucking sucked man. JULES MORGAN Yeah, it sounded like someone was raping a cat in here. DAKOTA JAMES (disappointedly) You serious? The three band members keep quiet for a few moments to build suspense, then Freddie finally speaks up. FREDDIE MORGAN Nah man, were fucking with you. was tight! SKYLAR PENNINGTON Awesome man, really awesome. The three guys converge around Dakota to give him high fives and pats on the back, happy that theyve found their new lead vocalist. JULES MORGAN You got a great voice man. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That kicked ass. DAKOTA JAMES Does that mean Im in the band? FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, now we just got to get you up to speed on all our music. Youll be fine, we play a little harder than Aerosmith though. DAKOTA JAMES Thats fine, I can go harder. That

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN The sooner you pick the music up, the sooner we can start trying to book gigs again. DAKOTA JAMES Alright, well lets just do it then. JULES MORGAN Right now? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, Im amped up and we dont have to be at work til four tomorrow. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, lets do it. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Lets smoke weed first to get our minds right. Good idea. later FREDDIE MORGAN Smoke weed now, play music

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JULES MORGAN (interrupts) and book gigs afterwards. SKYLAR PENNINGTON (smiles) I love it when a plan comes together. Step one down. a plan. DAKOTA JAMES Jules, I told you I had

INT. THE TROUBADOUR NIGHTCLUB The four band members are standing by the front entrance arguing with the CLUB MANAGER as theyre unsuccessfully trying to persuade him to book them for a gig. Theres a band playing on the stage in the background. DAKOTA JAMES Why wont you even listen to our music? Were good! Just listen to us!

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (unimpressed) Ive never heard of you guys before? Helter Skelter? What the fuck is that? JULES MORGAN So fucking what? Did you hear of the Eagles before they played here? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Yes, I did. JULES MORGAN OK, bad example, but you know what I mean, right? Come on, this is Hollywood, where dreams are made. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Many are also crushed here too. SKLYAR PENNINGTON Come on man, make our dreams come true. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Look, guys, Im all for helping out struggling bands trying to make their mark, but again, I dont know you guys. FREDDIE MORGAN Fine, well audition for you. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER I dont have any time. FREDDIE MORGAN Well come in tomorrow at 11am. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Sorry, Im booked. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, how about 4 oclock tomorrow? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Booked.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN (impatiently) Is there a time when youre not booked? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Not for a while. Look, I manage this club at night and during the day Im auditioning bands that have a hell of a lot more experience than you guys. I meet with a lot of bands, all day, every day. And you know what gentlemen, I have to go back to managing the club right now, so if youll excuse me, well have to end this conversation. The club manager begins walking away then turns back to the four guys. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (contd) Youre welcomed to stay here and take in the show tonight$10 coverper person. EXT. SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, OUTSIDE OF TROUBADOUR NIGHT The four band members walk out of the nightclub pissed off. Freddie kicks a trash can alongside of the road in frustration. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck him, that cocksucker! SKYLAR PENNINGTON That was the fourth place we were rejected from tonight. JULES MORGAN Well show him. Well make him sorry for the day that he ever denied Helter Skelter an audience. DAKOTA JAMES What are we going to do now? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Barneys Beanery?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Nah, I think Im just going to walk around and enjoy the fresh air for a little bit. JULES MORGAN Yeah, yeah, I think I will too. SKYLAR PENNINGTON But we drove here. Its LA, we have a car, nobody walks anywhere. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, I think Im going to walk too. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You guys are serious? Freddie continues walking down the street with Jules and Dakota in toe and Skylar bringing up the rear. FREDDIE MORGAN Absolutely. SKYLAR PENNINGTON OK fine, Ill walk too. FREDDIE MORGAN Like you had a choice? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hey, I couldve taken the bus. JULES MORGAN Yeah, good luck with that. EXT. TOWER RECORDS, SUNSET STRIP NIGHT Later on, the four guys walk up to the iconic Tower Records store on Sunset Boulevard. INT. TOWER RECORDS Theyre hanging out in an aisle going through stacks and stacks of records, not impressed with anything theyre seeing.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES See were better than most of these other bands out there. Look at this crap, these albums are all junk. FREDDIE MORGAN Ill agree with that, its amazing what record labels will put out sometimes. DAKOTA JAMES Even the album titles sucks, Come In From The Night? Danger Incorporated? Lick My Antics? What the fuck does lick my antics even mean? A young, high school-aged TOWER RECORDS EMPLOYEE awkwardly approaches the guys. TOWER RECORDS EMPLOYEE You guys gonna buy something or what? Dakota looks the employee up and down before responding. DAKOTA JAMES (dismissively) No, were gonna be something, what! TOWER RECORDS EMPLOYEE OK, thats good and all but my manager says youre loitering. If youre not buying anything, then youll have to leave. Dakota drops the album hes looking at right by the employees feet. DAKOTA JAMES Fine, I wouldnt buy any shit in here even if you held a gun to my head. (yells out) Come on boys, lets go see some titties.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese INT. BODY SHOP, SUNSET BOULEVARD The four band members are sitting around a table, drowning their sorrows, close to the dance floor at this famed strip club in the heart of the Sunset Strip. DAKOTA JAMES We need a strategy. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Why? DAKOTA JAMES Well what were currently doing isnt working, is it? FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, were like a bunch of girl scouts going door to door trying to sell cookies. JULES MORGAN But instead of Thin Mints these club managers think were a bunch of ShortBreads. Freddie, Skylar and Dakota look at him incredulously over his intimate knowledge of girl scout cookies. JULES MORGAN What? I buy girl scout cookies every once in a while. Whatever, Im supporting the artsor something like that. DAKOTA JAMES OK, lets put the girl scout cookie analogy to the side for a moment and lets start trying to figure shit out. A beautiful, European STRIPPER walks over to the table and immediately starts rubbing Skylar on his back. Hello guys. BODY SHOP STRIPPER How are you doing tonight? DAKOTA JAMES Not too great.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BODY SHOP STRIPPER Ohhhh, Im sorry. Why arent you happy? Look around, this is the happiest place on earth, this is the legendary Body Shop. Its like an adult Disneyland. DAKOTA JAMES Its a long story. BODY SHOP STRIPPER Well why dont one of you let me make you feel better? SKYLAR PENNINGTON I wish, but unless youre dancing for free I think well all have to pass. BODY SHOP STRIPPER You guys dont have any money? JULES MORGAN No. BODY SHOP STRIPPER None of you? FREDDIE MORGAN Thats right. BODY SHOP STRIPPER (confused) So why are you here? DAKOTA JAMES We like looking at naked girls. FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, and it doesnt cost anything to look. The stripper is mildly frustrated that shes spending time hanging around guys with no money so she makes a hasty exit. BODY SHOP STRIPPER OK, you guys have a good night then. The four guys laugh at how quickly she runs away from them.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES See, this is why we need a strategy. If we had money, if we were famous, we wouldnt be just getting a lap dance from her. JULES MORGAN (interrupts) Wed be fucking her. DAKOTA JAMES Exactly. Wouldnt we all want to be fucking her? FREDDIE MORGAN Or at least getting a blowjob. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Maybe, but probably not at the same time. DAKOTA JAMES Well, you know what I mean. Wed find three other girls as hot as her. One for each of us. Freddie stares at the stripper who has now made her way over to another table, chatting up a group of other guys dressed in well-tailored suits. FREDDIE MORGAN (smiles) She is a fine piece of ass. DAKOTA JAMES She is, and think about what wed get if we were rock stars? Girls like that every night. Wed get the hottest girls in every city. Think about it. SKYLAR PENNINGTON OK, so what do we do? DAKOTA JAMES I dont know. JULES MORGAN It is kind of hard to concentrate with those big titties dancing on the stage behind us.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Well we should get used to breasts in our face if were going to be rock stars. After all, when we play on a stage theres going to be a ton of girls flashing us in the middle of our set. FREDDIE MORGAN Nah, Jules is right. Lets go somewhere else to ideate. DAKOTA JAMES Where? FREDDIE MORGAN Lets just ride. DAKOTA JAMES Where? FREDDIE MORGAN Nowhere in particular. EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD, BEVERLY HILLS NIGHT Freddies beat-up, two-door FORD MAVERICK is driving down Sunset Boulevard and turns right at the famed Beverly Hills sign to head up North Sierra Street towards all the fancy, million dollar homes. INT. FREDDIES BEAT-UP FORD MAVERICK Freddie, Jules, Dakota and Skylar are all packed uncomfortably into the car. All of them are smoking cigarettes and periodically flicking their butts out of the window. DAKOTA JAMES Where are we going? FREDDIE MORGAN To the hills man, Beverly Hills. DAKOTA JAMES Whats there? FREDDIE MORGAN Fame and fortune.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN This is his thing, just let him do it. FREDDIE MORGAN This is where all the major celebrities Live, in their big, fancy houses. With five cars in the garage, Dobermans keeping watch, gated driveways, a pool in the backyard, ten, twelve bedrooms. Eight bathrooms. These people have everything. After a few turns, Freddie drives by a few huge mansions before stopping in front of one so that everyone can admire it. FREDDIE MORGAN Look at that. Look at how beautiful that is? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Its huge. FREDDIE MORGAN One day my friends, thatll be us. JULES MORGAN Can you imagine how much money those fuckers have? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Can you even make that much in rock n roll? That guy must be some kind of captain of industry. Maybe he owns a bank or controls an oil reserve somewhere. DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) Money? JULES MORGAN What? DAKOTA JAMES Thats it, money! JULES MORGAN What are you talking about?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES What does everyone love? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Sex? DAKOTA JAMES Try staying with me for a little bit, Skylar. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Drugs? FREDDIE MORGAN You talking about money? DAKOTA JAMES Absolutely. FREDDIE MORGAN OK. What about money? DAKOTA JAMES Its all about money. Tomorrow night were going to go back to the Troubadour and offer them money to perform. JULES MORGAN What? Isnt that ass backwards? should be paying us! They

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DAKOTA JAMES Normally Id agree. But we have to get out there somehow, right? We need people to hear our music. We are confident in our songs, right? FREDDIE MORGAN Hell yeah we are. DAKOTA JAMES And were confident that if people just hear our music, well convert them to fans, right? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Well, yeah.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES And then each fan will tell two friends about us, then theyll tell two, and so on, until were selling out major venues like the Forum or Hollywood Bowl. FREDDIE MORGAN Hopefully thats the plan. DAKOTA JAMES Then we just need people to hear our music. Who cares how it happens, the important thing is it happens. JULES MORGAN OK, that all sounds well and good, but where are we going to get money? The four guys think about this for a few moments. DAKOTA JAMES Ill donate what Ive made so far from the Rainbow. JULES MORGAN Well seeing as though youve only been there for a few month, thatd be, what? $200? $300? DAKOTA JAMES Fuck you, its more than that. Not much more, but it is more than that. Freddie pulls out into the street and continues driving around the streets of Beverly Hills. JULES MORGAN Ill throw in the money Ive saved from my paychecks over the last month too. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, well still probably need more, dont forget, we need to live too so we cant spend everything we have. JULES MORGAN Skylar, do you have anything?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Dude, I live at home with my parents. JULES MORGAN So you dont have anything? SKYLAR PENNINGTON If I did I wouldnt be living at home with my parents. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck it, Ill sell the TV. JULES MORGAN But you love that TV. FREDDIE MORGAN I know. JULES MORGAN How are you going to watch all those Three Stooges marathons that you love? FREDDIE MORGAN Ill make do. Believe me, theres more important things out there than keeping up with the antics of Moe, Larry and Curly. Success is about sacrifice. DAKOTA JAMES OK, its settled then. Freddie looks into his rear view mirror and sees the flashing lights of a security guard car behind him pulling him over. FREDDIE MORGAN Ohhh shit. JULES MORGAN What? Cops? FREDDIE MORGAN Not quite, its a rent-a-cop. DAKOTA JAMES Rent-a-cop?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Yeah, one of those security guards that rich people hire to watch their neighborhoods. (pauses) Lets just stay cool. They dont have any real power, so well be fine as long as we dont antagonize him. FREDDIE MORGAN We dont have any weed left in the car, do we? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Nah man, its long been smoked. FREDDIE MORGAN Alright, good. JULES MORGAN Relax brother, he cant do anything to us. FREDDIE MORGAN I havent exactly renewed my registration lately so Id rather not draw attention to us. The RENT-A-COP approaches the drivers side door. RENT-A-COP What are you boys doing around here? FREDDIE MORGAN Just seeing how the other half lives. RENT-A-COP It smells like reefer, have you boys been smoking? FREDDIE MORGAN Even if we have been, you dont have any authority over us. RENT-A-COP That may be true, but with one radio call I can get someone over here that can do something about it.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Thats not necessary, is it sir? RENT-A-COP You tell me. You do know that youre not supposed to be in this neighborhood? FREDDIE MORGAN Maybe now were not, but one day we will be. RENT-A-COP Well until that day comes, please stay out of this neighborhood, our residents demand their privacy and youre not giving them any. FREDDIE MORGAN Yes sir. The Rent-A-Cop gives the four guys a stern look then walks away. FREDDIE MORGAN Jerk off. Freddie drives off down the street. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Anyone want to go to IHOP? JULES MORGAN More importantly, does anyone have any money? Skylar and Dakota both look through their wallets for money. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I have two dollars. DAKOTA JAMES I have three. JULES MORGAN OK great, well be able to share three pancakes. Wonderful.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese INT. TROUBADOUR NIGHTCLUB FRONT ENTRANCE The four guys return back to the club the next night and are immediately greeted by the manager again. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER If it isnt Helter Skelter. Did you boys decide to come here and catch the show tonight? Weve got a great lineup of some real up and coming local acts. DAKOTA JAMES No, wed like to perform a set tonight. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Guys, we had this conversation last night. I dont know you, Ive never heard of you guys, we dont have room in our shows to accommodate you. DAKOTA JAMES That may be true, but yesterday we didnt have this as part of our argument. Dakota takes a small roll of cash out of his pocket and throws it to the club manager. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Whats this? DAKOTA JAMES Its cashfor you. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Why? DAKOTA JAMES Were going to pay you for the right to play here. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (confused) Youre going to pay me? To play?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Pretty persuasive, isnt it? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER You guys are nuts! DAKOTA JAMES All you have to do is take our money and let us play twenty minutes. If you dont like us, if the crowd doesnt like us, then fine, well go on our way and youll never have to hear from us again. The club manager thinks to himself for a few moments then throws the roll of cash in the air and catches it. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER How much is here? DAKOTA JAMES Enough to make it worth your while to let us play for twenty minutes. The club manager looks over towards the stage and sees the current band on their last song, wrapping up their set. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER OK, you can play. The four guys immediately explode in cheers and pats on each others backs. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Yes! TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Get your equipment, youre on after these guys. Their euphoria quickly turns to nervousness as they didnt expect to be going on so suddenly. JULES MORGAN Wait, what? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Youre on in ten minutes.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Tonight? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Yes. Im giving you a chance to showcase your music to a crowd The club manager looks back into the venue and sees a large, raucous crowd around the stage. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (contd) And it looks like quite a fine crowd tonight. Its what you wanted, right? DAKOTA JAMES Absolutely sir. Thank you, thank you sir. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Good, get your shit and set up quickly. The clock is ticking. You have twenty minutes of stage time and only twenty. Not a minute over. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, lets do this boys, we dont have a lot of time. LATER ON THE STAGE The four band members of Helter Skelter are standing on the stage, each doing final tune ups to their musical instruments. Freddie Morgan walks up to Dakota and whispers into his ear. FREDDIE MORGAN You ready for this? DAKOTA JAMES I am. FREDDIE MORGAN This is what weve been waiting for our whole livesdont fuck it up. DAKOTA JAMES Thanks for the words of encouragement.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hey man, its just rock n roll, youll be alright. Dakota walks up, grabs the microphone and shouts into it. DAKOTA JAMES How are you doing tonight Hollywood?!?! Bored with the pleasantries that theyve probably heard countless times, only a handful of people in the crowd respond to his question. DAKOTA JAMES You ready for some rock n roll?!?! This time even fewer people in the crowd responds which unnerves Dakota; the crowd just wants to hear music. MAN IN TROUBADOUR CROWD Just play some music dickhead! The crowd laughs as Dakota turns around to his band mates. DAKOTA JAMES Ohhhkay, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3. With that, Dakota turns back around to the microphone and gets in the zone; suddenly becoming his alter ego stage persona that feeds off the energy of the crowd. The musical introduction to Guns N Roses Welcome to the Jungle begins then Dakota starts singing. DAKOTA JAMES Welcome to the jungle, we got fun 'n' games We got everything you want, honey we know the names We are the people that you find, whatever you may need If you got the money, honey we got your disease The crowd immediately gets into the music and lyrics. DAKOTA JAMES (contd) In the jungle, welcome to the jungle (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) Watch it bring you to your kn-kn-knees, knees I wanna watch you bleed Welcome to the jungle we take it day by day If you want it you're gonna bleed but it's the price you pay And you're a very sexy girl whose very hard to please You can taste the bright lights but you won't get them for free In the jungle, welcome to the jungle Feel my, my, my, my serpentine I, I wanna hear you scream Welcome to the jungle it gets worse here everyday You learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play If you got a hunger for what you see, you'll take it eventually You can have anything you want but you better not take it from me The crowd is even more boisterous now, fully embracing the song and the band. Theyre going crazy, hooting and hollering, waving their arms in appreciation. DAKOTA JAMES (contd) In the jungle, welcome to the jungle Watch it bring you to your kn-kn-knees, knees I'm gonna watch you bleed And when you're high you never Ever want to come down So down, sucked down, so down, yeah You know where you are, you're in the jungle baby You're gonna die In the jungle, welcome to the jungle Watch it bring you to your kn-kn-knees, knees In the jungle welcome to the jungle Feel my, my, my, my serpentine Jungle, welcome to the jungle Watch it bring you to your kn-kn-knees, knees Down in the jungle, welcome to the (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) jungle Watch it bring you to your It's gonna bring you down, ha After the song, the band members take a few moments to soak in all the adulation from the crowd. DAKOTA JAMES YEAH! The other three band members Freddie, Jules and Skylar converge around Dakota and put their arms around each other before taking a bow as the crowd gives an extended ovation. DAKOTA JAMES Thank you Troubadour. This was totally an impromptu performance tonight, so we werent exactly prepared with a set list. But do you guys want to hear another song!?! The crowd screams in approval. DAKOTA JAMES OK, thats all we needed to hear. The band members run back to re-take their positions on stage. Once settled, they immediately jump into their next song, Scorpions Rock You Like A Hurricane. DAKOTA JAMES It's early morning The sun comes out Last night was shaking And pretty loud My cat is purring And scratches my skin So what is wrong With another sin The bitch is hungry She needs to tell So give her inches And feed her well More days to come New places to go (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) I've got to leave It's time for a show Here I am, rock you like a hurricane Here I am, rock you like a hurricane My body is burning It starts to shout Desire is coming It breaks out loud Lust is in cages Till storm breaks loose Just have to make it With someone I choose The night is calling I have to go The wolf is hungry He runs the show He's licking his lips He's ready to win On the hunt tonight For love at first sting Here I am, rock you like a hurricane FREDDIE & SKYLAR Are you ready, ready, ready? DAKOTA JAMES Here I am, rock you like a hurricane Here I am, rock you like a hurricane FREDDIE & SKYLAR Cmon, cmon baby! DAKOTA JAMES Here I am, rock you like a hurricane Rock you like a hurricane! Freddie takes center stage to do a prolonged guitar solo. DAKOTA JAMES It's early morning The sun comes out Last night was shaking And pretty loud My cat is purring And scratches my skin So what is wrong With another sin (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) The night is calling I have to go The wolf is hungry He runs the show He's licking his lips He's ready to win On the hunt tonight For love at first sting Here I am, rock you like a hurricane FREDDIE & SKYLAR Are you ready, ready, ready? DAKOTA JAMES Here I am, rock you like a hurricane Here I am, rock you like a hurricane FREDDIE & SKYLAR Cmon, cmon, cmon, cmon, cmon! DAKOTA JAMES Here I am, rock you like a hurricane Here I am! The crowd, already whipped up into a frenzy from the first song, goes berserk at the end of this one. The four band members just stand there soaking up the applause and attention again. LATER ON BACKSTAGE Helter Skelter tears into the backstage area through a curtain, ecstatic over their performance hugging and high fiving each other. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That was a great fucking show guys! DAKOTA JAMES You know it! JULES MORGAN Great way to debut. Freddie notices a nearly full bottle of Jack Daniels sitting on an end table and decides to pick it up and start pounding it.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Whoa, whos bottle of Jack is that? FREDDIE MORGAN Does it matter? Were rock stars now. We can take whatever we want. DAKOTA JAMES Fuck, pass that shit over here then. Dakota grabs the bottle and starts pounding it as well then passes it around to Jules and Skylar. As the guys begin to come down from their stage high, the once confrontational club manager comes backstage and acts a lot more amicable now. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (smiles) There they are, my guys. I knew you all had star quality, I could feel it the second you walked through the door. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck you. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Heeey, thats no way to talk to your new best friend. I want to book you guys. I want you guys to play here. I want you to think of this place as your second home. DAKOTA JAMES First things first jackass. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Whats that? DAKOTA JAMES Give us our money back. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Oh suresure. The club manager reaches into his pocket, takes out the wad of cash and gives it back to Dakota. Dakota then tosses it over to Freddie.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Here Freddie, you can buy your TV back. FREDDIE MORGAN Thank god. Theres a Three Stooges marathon on Sunday that I really didnt want to miss. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER So will you guys come back tomorrow? FREDDIE MORGAN If the moneys good enough. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Ohh, it will be. It will be! Im going to make you guys stars! DAKOTA JAMES I think well take care of that ourselves. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Of course, of course, you guys are the stars. So what do you say? Tomorrow night at 10? DAKOTA JAMES How about 11? TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Sure, sure, Ill have to move the billing around to accommodate you guys, but I dont think thatll be a problem. FREDDIE MORGAN Good, well be here then. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Wonderful. (pauses) You guys all set back here, you need anything? DAKOTA JAMES Nah, I think were just going to hang out for a little bit and unwind. The club manager walks over to the door.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER OK, well as a token of appreciation, Ive recruited some party favors for you guys He opens the door and a bunch of screaming, young FEMALE GROUPIES immediately rush into the room and swarm the four band members. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER (contd) groupies. The four guys get comfortable on the couches with multiple women each. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I think I can get used to this rockstar shit. TROUBADOUR CLUB MANAGER Ill let you guys enjoy yourselves. The club manager exits the room as the guys begin pouring drinks of whatever alcohol they can find lying around for both themselves and the ladies. JULES MORGAN So whats next for the group? DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) This was a great start, but theres plenty of other places around here to play and build up our fan base. JULES MORGAN I for one would love to jam out at the Roxy and Whiskey A Go Go. FREDDIE MORGAN Lets lay our base here first though, build a loyal Troubadour following, get some attention and get people talking. DAKOTA JAMES I want it all now though.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Well get to where we need

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Patience. to be.

DAKOTA JAMES Why do we have to be patient? Theres bands in this city with half the talent we have that are making moves and becoming famous. FREDDIE MORGAN Those are mostly one-hit wonders. Guys that rush their shit arent going to be around long. Yeah they got lucky with one catchy tune, but thats not going to last. Youre only as good as your last album. (pauses) I say, lets take a little more time to work on our craft, get to know each other a little bit better to the point we can anticipate and predict each others movements on the stage and perfect our set list. Thatll make us a stronger, more technically sound, band in the long run which will give us staying power. DAKOTA JAMES I dont know, judging from tonights performance, I think were already doing a pretty good job with all that. FREDDIE MORGAN But we could be better. JULES MORGAN Skylar, what do you think? Skylar is too busy making out with a lovely female to be paying attention to the conversation. JULES MORGAN Skylar? Skylar stops kissing the girl and looks over to Freddie to finally acknowledge him.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON What? JULES MORGAN Were just trying to decide what we should do. Its a band decision. FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, were like a democracy. JULES MORGAN What do you think? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Man, I dont care what we do, I just want to play music, smoke dope and make love to women. With that, Skylar goes back to making out with the young lady sitting on his lap. JULES MORGAN Spoken like a true rock n roller. FREDDIE MORGAN Dakota, lets play here tomorrow night and see how it goes, OK? JULES MORGAN Yeah, weve really got nothing to lose, and at least theyre paying us this time. DAKOTA JAMES (mulling it over) OK fine, but starting next week Im going to be knocking on the doors of the Roxy and Whiskey A Go Go to book us some gigs. FREDDIE MORGAN Go for it. (skeptically) Good luck.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD DAY A daytime montage of Dakota practically going door to door down Sunset Boulevard talking to club managers trying to get gigs. Some are nice and willing to listen to him while others are much less accommodating, literally pushing him out the door, not interested in listening to what he has to say. INT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL, KITCHEN Dakota and Jules are busy washing dishes in the cramped kitchen at night. DAKOTA JAMES When the hell are things going to start panning out for us? Panning out? JULES MORGAN Things are going OK.

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DAKOTA JAMES They could be going better though. JULES MORGAN Patience Dakota, we have a nice little gig going on at the Troubadour. DAKOTA JAMES Its not enough though. I want more. Im tired of putting my fucking hands in this fucking dirty dishwater. I mean, look at how raw my fingers are, this aint rock n roll. JULES MORGAN Well hows the door-to-door thing going? DAKOTA JAMES Its going. I dont know, its tough. Most of these fuckers just close the door right in my face. The phone in the kitchen RINGS which is quickly picked up by a BUS BOY. BUS BOY Dakota, its for you.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese RAINBOW CHEF (angrily) What the fuck are you doing getting calls here? What did I tell you about personal calls? What did I tell you? What the fuck Dakota!?! DAKOTA JAMES Who is it? BUS BOY Some guy at Whiskey A Go Go. DAKOTA JAMES Sir I have to take this call. RAINBOW CHEF You take that call and you can consider yourself fired. Go ahead, do it, I fucking dare you. Without skipping a beat, Dakota walks over and grabs the phone, all while staring the chef down in defiance. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah. (pauses for response) This is. (pauses for response) OK. (pauses for response) Sounds good. Well be there. And with that, Dakota flashes a slight smile to the chef then hangs up the phone. DAKOTA JAMES You can take this job and shove it up your ass. Dakota takes his apron off and dismissively throws it at the chef. DAKOTA JAMES Come on Jules, were going. JULES MORGAN Why?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES We got a gig tonight at Whiskey. JULES MORGAN We do? DAKOTA JAMES Yep. RAINBOW CHEF Dont even think about it Jules. You leave here, youre not allowed back either. JULES MORGAN I leave here, the next time Im back is as a guestwith 30 groupies by my side. You are it, you RAINBOW CHEF really think so? Please, you guys a dime a dozen around here. I mean you leave now, Im not welcoming back.

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Jules takes off his apron and dismissively throws it at the chef too. JULES MORGAN Blow me. DAKOTA JAMES (laughs) Yeah blow him. Jules and Dakota walk outside through the kitchens back door. EXT. SUNSET STRIP - NIGHT A nighttime MONTAGE of Helter Skelter being listed as the third or fourth billing on the marquees of major Hollywood clubs like the Whiskey A Go Go, Roxy and Troubadour. After the marquees are shown, there are several high energy shots of the band playing to packed houses at these clubs. Theyre jamming on the stage while the crowds are going wild, a few girls even flash their breasts at them.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Helter Skelters billing steadily increases on the marquees towards the end of the montage, until its listed as the first band on the Whiskey A Go Go marquee for the final shot. INT. WHISKEY A GO GO ON STAGE The band is wrapping up the final song of their set, Guns N Roses November Rain. DAKOTA JAMES Sometimes I need some timeon my own Sometimes I need some timeall alone Everybody needs some timeon their own Don't you know you need some timeall alone And when your fears subside And shadows still remain I know that you can love me When there's no one left to blame So never mind the darkness We still can find a way 'Cause nothin' lasts forever Even cold November rain. Dakota looks out at the crowd and notices a drop dead gorgeous blonde Playboy Playmate, DONNA WADE, in the front row shaking to the music with a couple of her girlfriends. He makes eye contact with Donna who flashes him a flirtatious smile then he, in turn, winks at her. DAKOTA JAMES (contd) Don't ya think that you need somebody Don't ya think that you need someone Everybody needs somebody You're not the only one You're not the only one Applause erupts as the band finishes the song, the venue is practically shaking. All four band members walk to the edge of the stage, grab each others hands and take a collective bow as the crowd just gets louder.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Jules throws a few of his extra drumsticks into the audience while Skylar throws out a few of his guitar picks. Eventually the roaring crowd finally dies down and as the band starts packing up their equipment, DARREN SWINDELL, an A&R representative from Geffen Records, approaches the stage while applauding loudly. Dressed in a sharp black suit, the man in his earlythirties climbs the steps and walks onto the stage. DARREN SWINDELL Bravo, gentleman, bravo. Great show tonight boys. Skylar is packing up his drumsticks as Dakota is unplugging his guitar. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thanks man, thats pretty righteous of you. DAKOTA JAMES (unimpressed) Yeah thanks. Now get the fuck off my stage. DARREN SWINDELL Feisty, I love it. Calm down Dakota, Im your white knight! FREDDIE MORGAN And who are you? DARREN SWINDELL Darren Swindell, Im an A&R rep over at Geffen. JULES MORGAN Geffen, really? DARREN SWINDELL Yes, Geffen. Were the best in the biz. DAKOTA JAMES Well, step into our office then. Dakota leads him over to the curtain and opens in up to reveal the bands personal hedonism backstage.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BACKSTAGE Scantily-clad women are sitting on couches and walking around anxiously waiting for the band while several other groupies and band support members are smoking weed and pouring shots of Jack Daniels. DARREN SWINDELL You certainly are already living like rock stars. Dakota immediately jumps onto the couch in the middle of two beauties, each of whom give him a shot of whiskey which he quickly takes. DAKOTA JAMES God damn right we are. (pauses) So, speak. DARREN SWINDELL You guys are hot. Ive seen you guys play a few times now, at the Troubadour, here at the Whiskey. The crowds love you, youre tearing up the Strip right now. DAKOTA JAMES Tell us something we dont know. DARREN SWINDELL OK, I want to sign you guys. SKYLAR PENNINGTON What, to like a record deal? DARREN SWINDELL Yes, to a record deal. Freddies sitting on another couch with a girl on each side of him nibbling on his ears. FREDDIE MORGAN Youre not going to try to turn us soft, are you? We dont do pop music shit. We play for our fans and for what we likenot for label suits looking at their fancy charts. I piss on fancy charts.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (laughs) Boys, do I look like Im from Capitol. This is Geffen guys, were the most artist friendly label out there. I want to get you in the studio and create magic. Then I want to sell that magic to millions and millions of adoring fans. JULES MORGAN Millions? DARREN SWINDELL And millions, but thats just sales, I havent even talked about the global tour yet. FREDDIE MORGAN I like what youre saying. JULES MORGAN Its exactly what were looking for, right guys? FREDDIE MORGAN Well before we start sucking Mr. Suits dick over this, well need to talk to our manager first. DARREN SWINDELL Absolutely. Totally get it. You talk to your guy, you have him give me a call Darren hands Freddie his business card. DARREN SWINDELL (contd) Heres my card. We get a deal signed, then we get you in the studio immediately to work on your debut album. Imagine, hundreds of thousands of skanks Darren looks around and realizes hes in a room filled with females. DARREN SWINDELL (contd) sorry ladies, but you know what I (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (contd) meanwalking around wearing your faces on their shirts. Pretty awesome, right? FREDDIE MORGAN Id rather be wearing the skanks on my face, but I get what youre saying. Like I said, well consider it. We need to talk to our manager first. DARREN SWINDELL Absolutely. Well you have my card, Ill leave you now. You gentlemen have a good night. Darren looks around again and sees all the scantily-clad women rubbing up on each of the four band members. DARREN SWINDELL (contd) (smiles) From the looks of it, Im sure you will. Darren heads over to the door to leave when Jules shouts out to him. JULES MORGAN Hey suit. Darren turns around to see that Jules is throwing him a beer bottle. JULES MORGAN Have a beer for the next show. DARREN SWINDELL Thanks. Right after Darren leaves the room, Freddie looks around to his fellow band mates. FREDDIE MORGAN I guess were going to have to get a manager now. INT. - GEFFEN STUDIOS Skylar and Freddie are sitting around the studios tuning their guitars while Jules is warming up on his drums.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese They all look bored and are seemingly just passing the time waiting for something. Suddenly Dakota rushes into the studios knowing hes late. FREDDIE MORGAN (annoyed) Well, its about fucking time. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Yeah, whereve you been? Youre an hour late. DAKOTA JAMES I was still with this girl from the club last night. That girl was an absolute animal, she was doing things to me that I didnt even think were possible. Really? SYLAR PENNINGTON Sweet.

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FREDDIE MORGAN No, its not sweet. Dakota, you have to start respecting everyone elses time. Dont be an asshole. DAKOTA JAMES Hey man, dont blame me if a girl wants to wake me up in the afternoon with the best blowjob ever. FREDDIE MORGAN What, like youre the only guy in the band getting laid? SKYLAR PENNINGTON I had sex with two girls last week. JULES MORGAN See, even Skylar is getting ass. SKYLAR PENNINGTON When Im not high. FREDDIE MORGAN So be respectful Dakota.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Get off my back man. Darren Swindell walks into the room to calm the situation. DARREN SWINDELL Gentlemen, although I like it, you dont have to be so feisty all the time. Were all just here to make music, kick ass wonderful music! So lets relax, get into the right mindset and jam. Darren leaves the room as Dakota picks up his guitar and approaches the microphone. JULES MORGAN You need to warm up? DAKOTA JAMES No, Im good. JULES MORGAN Really, youre ready, seriously? like that? Just

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DAKOTA JAMES I was born ready. This is what its like to be a professional, I can play at a moments notice. Anywhere, anytime. JULES MORGAN OK. DAKOTA JAMES What are we playing? FREDDIE MORGAN 18 and Life. DAKOTA JAMES (dismissively) I dont want to play that. FREDDIE MORGAN (angrily) What do you mean?

What?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES I dont want to play it. I dont think its right for this album. FREDDIE MORGAN You dont think its right for the album? DAKOTA JAMES No, it doesnt have the right sound Im looking for. FREDDIE MORGAN The sound that youre looking for? Its got a great sound, I was writing this song for the last three years just to perfect it. JULES MORGAN Whats this shit about what youre looking for? You do realize this is a band right? We all make decisions. DAKOTA JAMES I know that, I know that. Look, Freddie its a good song, Im not saying its not. I just dont think it fits the style were going for in this album, maybe for our second album. Darren enters the room again to see why theres a delay. DARREN SWINDELL Gentlemen, gentlemen, what is it this time? Why are you guys not jamming? Studio time costs money. JULES MORGAN Just a little band argument on what to play. DARREN SWINDELL OK, whats the argument? FREDDIE MORGAN Dakota doesnt want to play 18 and Life, which we all agreed that wed add to our first album long before we entered the studio.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL Dakota? DAKOTA JAMES I changed my mind. DARREN SWINDELL So what do you want to play instead? DAKOTA JAMES The Touch. The Touch? FREDDIE MORGAN That song is awful.

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DAKOTA JAMES Its a crowd pleaser though. FREDDIE MORGAN Barely. DAKOTA JAMES And its extremely radio friendly. Believe me, this will get a ton of radio play. Im just trying to do whats best for the success of the band. DARREN SWINDELL (thinking for a moment) Dakota play your song.

OK.

Darren begins to walk out of the room again when Freddie chases after him. FREDDIE MORGAN Darren, you cant be serious, are you? Youre going to let him play that? It sucks. DARREN SWINDELL Hes right though, itll get a lot of radio play. Trust me. You can make a music video of whatever song youd like, it can be badass as hell, thats not a problem. But we need this. Hey look, if you want to be big stars sometimes you have to make sacrifices. (MORE)

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (contd) Sometimes you have to perform the more radio-friendly song that doesnt necessarily define you but makes you more accessible to people. Thats the difference between performing at the Troubadour and performing at the Forum. You got me? FREDDIE MORGAN (reluctantly) Yeah, I got you. DARREN SWINDELL (shouts out) OK guys, lets do this! Time is money! All the band members get into their position as Dakota grabs the microphone and actually ends up doing a kick ass version of The Touch. DAKOTA JAMES You got the touch You got the power After all is said and done You've never walked, you've never run, You're a winner You got the moves, you know the streets Break the rules, take the heat You're nobody's fool You're at your best when the goin' gets rough You've been put to the test, but it's never enough You got the touch You got the power When all hell's breakin' loose You'll be riding the eye of the storm You got the heart You got the motion You know that when things get too tough You got the touch You never bend, you never break You seem to know just what it takes You're a fighter It's in the blood, it's in the will It's in the mighty hands of steel When you're standin' your ground (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) And you never get hit when your back's to the wall Gonna fight to the end and you're takin' it all You got the touch You got the power INT. KNAC-FM STUDIOS The heavy metal radio station on-air DJ, JACK THE RIPPER is sitting in his cramped studios with the four members of Helter Skelter. Inexplicably, Dakota has a hot blonde dressed in only a teddy sitting on his lap. The DJ is playing the end of The Touch on the radio. DAKOTA JAMES (V.O.) When all hell's breakin' loose You'll be riding the eye of the storm You got the heart You got the motion You know that when things get too tough You got the touch You're fightin' fire with fire You know you got the touch You're at your best when when the road gets rough You've been put to the test, but it's never enough You got the touch You got the power You got the touch You got the power Once the song ends, the DJ flips a switch and starts talking on the microphone. JACK THE RIPPER Folks, youre listening to Jack the Ripper on 105.5 KNAC-FM, the home of Pure Rock and that was The Touch, the first release on the album Total Destruction from a new band making waves on the underground scene here in Los Angeles, Helter Skelter. And (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JACK THE RIPPER (contd) we have a treat for all you listeners out there, we have in our studios right now the four members of Helter Skelter, get used to their names because youll be hearing a lot from them for now on because these boys are here to stay Freddie Morgan, Jules Morgan, Dakota James and Skylar Pennington. DAKOTA JAMES Whats up LA? FREDDIE MORGAN Hows it going LA? Jack, great being here. JACK THE RIPPER Happy to have you guys here. Lets get started, tell me about the album. FREDDIE MORGAN Well, its Dakota rudely interrupts Freddie just as he starts talking. DAKOTA JAMES Its really a labor of love Jack. Youre going to hear a lot of sounds, youre going to see all four of us use our full complement of talents throughout the album, but at the end of the day, its all about heavy metal and rock n roll and we stay true to that in each and every song we do. JACK THE RIPPER Your album has been out for a while now and has had lackluster sales but suddenly you guys are burning up the charts right now, youre hot. What do you attribute this change in trajectory to? DAKOTA JAMES A label that believes in us and finally decided to promote us properly. They were a little slow at first, but theyre (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) finally coming through and getting us radio play on the best stations around the country. Theyre finally seeing what weve known about ourselves all along. JACK THE RIPPER And whats that? DAKOTA JAMES (deadpans) That were awesome. JACK THE RIPPER So what are your plans for capitalizing on this newfound popularity? DAKOTA JAMES Get out there beyond the Strip and perform for the fans. JACK THE RIPPER So a tour? DAKOTA JAMES Hell yeah. JACK THE RIPPER Thats great, what are some of the lucky cities? DAKOTA JAMES Thats a good question. (looks at Freddie) Freddie, where are we going? Freddie gives Dakota an angry look when he defers to him for the details. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, so its my turn to talk finally? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, go ahead. FREDDIE MORGAN Well, were going to start out at (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) some cozy venues on the west coast, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, then make our way over to the east coast. Weve been getting some good fan mail from places like New York and New Jersey so we want to make sure we show them some love too. DAKOTA JAMES So ladies in those cities, youve been Warned, were coming for you. JACK THE RIPPER Speaking of that Dakota, can I ask you who the lovely lady is sitting on your lap? For my listeners out there, shes this hot blonde dressed only in a red teddy. I feel like its my civic duty to explain that so I can help aid my male listeners, and some of my female listeners as well, in their masturbation fantasies. DAKOTA JAMES Youre a great public servant Jack. I try. JACK THE RIPPER So who is this ravishing beauty?

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DAKOTA JAMES (looks at the girl) Honey, whats your name? DIANE Diane. DAKOTA JAMES Shes Diane, I met her at a club last night. JACK THE RIPPER (laughs) You met her at a club? SKYLAR PENNINGTON (pipes up) It must be love.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN More like lust. JACK THE RIPPER So, why did you bring her into the studio and why is she sitting on your lap, if you dont mind me asking? DAKOTA JAMES Because thats rock n roll man. JACK THE RIPPER Spoken like a man that gets it. Helter Skelter, thanks for dropping by the studio today. Good luck on tour. INT. JULES & FREDDIES APARTMENT, LIVING ROOM The four band members are sitting around the same old, decrepit apartment ripping bong hits while watching MTV. DAKOTA JAMES When the hell are we going to move out of this hellhole? FREDDIE MORGAN Soon enough. Doesnt make much sense for us to all buy new places then immediately leave LA for months on tour. JULES MORGAN Yeah, our manager says we should save up our money, then when were back hell take care of everything for us. Cars, houses, everything. Skylar is looking intently at the TV. Shhhh. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Here it is! DAKOTA JAMES Turn that shit up! SKYLAR PENNINGTON OK, OK, OK.

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Turn it up!

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Skylar turns the TV volume up so everyone can hear ADAM CURRY introduce their new video Welcome to the Jungle on MTV. ADAM CURRY And heres a new one by an up-andcoming band from LAs very own Sunset Strip. The band is called Helter Skelter and the song, Welcome to the Jungle, is from their first album, Total Destruction. The video looks pretty sick. Enjoy. The knock-off video of Welcome to the Jungle performed by Helter Skelter begins playing as Jules looks at his watch. JULES MORGAN 4am, better late than never I suppose. FREDDIE MORGAN Darren told me that some higher up at Geffen called MTV personally to fight to get us on air at this time. Apparently MTV thought we werent big enough to be shown on their airwaves. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Fucking sellouts, remember when MTV was just about the music? Playing pure music regardless of where it came from? Dakota is mesmerized by seeing himself on the TV. DAKOTA JAMES This video is hot. Were going to be big stars. JULES MORGAN Assuming anyone sees us. DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) Lets start calling MTV and requesting they play the video again. JULES MORGAN What?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (devilishly smiles) Yes, lets request the fucking video over and over again. FREDDIE MORGAN Thats not a bad idea. Skylar, grab the phone. Skylar reaches over the couch to grab the phone off the floor, he picks it up then realizes he doesnt know who to call. Wait. SKYLAR PENNINGTON How do I call MTV?

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FREDDIE MORGAN I dont know, call the operator? SKYLAR PENNINGTON What? JULES MORGAN Yeah, dial 0. Skylar dials the number then waits for an operator to pick up. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Good morning, yes, can you ummm, connect me to the MTV Studios in New York? (pauses) Yes, Ill wait. (after hes connected) Hi, who is that awesome rock band that you just showed? I think the video was Welcome to the Jungle? (pauses) Yes, Helter Skelter. That video is sick, and that band is awesome. Can you play it again? (pauses) OK. Thanks, stay cool. Skylar hangs up the phone as everyone else anxiously awaits to hear what MTV said. So? DAKOTA JAMES What the fuck did they say?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON They said theyll see what they can do. JULES MORGAN Give me that phone, Im calling those bitches now. Jules grabs the phone from Skylar and starts dialing the operator himself. JULES MORGAN Yes, can you connect me to the MTV Studios in New York? (pauses) Yeah, Ill hold. NEXT AFTERNOON Dakota James is passed on the couch in the living room surrounded by empty cans of BUSCH LIGHT, half eaten bread slices and bongs. The phone RINGS. Dakota wakes up and groggily attempts to find the phone which is by now buried under a pile of clothes on the floor. After a few rings, he finally answers it. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) Who is this? Dakota? DAKOTA JAMES (O.S.) Yeah, who the fuck is this? DARREN SWINDELL Its Darren. DAKOTA JAMES Yo Darren, whats up? DARREN SWINDELL Jesus, its 3 oclock in the afternoon, are you still sleeping?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES It was a late night, early morning. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) OK, well I have something thatll wake you up. Your video is a megahit! MTV is telling me that theyve received thousands of requests to air it again just based on its first run this morning. DAKOTA JAMES Thousands? Shit, we didnt call that many times. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) What was that? DAKOTA JAMES Nothing. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) Anyways, you guys are on fire now. They started putting the video in regular rotation starting this afternoon when the east coast kids got out of school. Its going to run through the evening, prime time and late night, every day. This is great news! DAKOTA JAMES Fuck yeah it is. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) Ill tell you what, were going to need bigger venues for the tour now. Im thinking places like the Forum. DAKOTA JAMES Really? DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) Hell yeah, the response to you guys is unbelievable. Ive never seen anything like it before. I have no doubt you can sell out 18,000 seat arenas now. And were going to add more cities to the touring schedule. Im going to start making calls right (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) (contd) now. We have to milk this for all its worth. This is what weve been waiting for and I guarantee you that all the hard work will pay off. DAKOTA JAMES Sounds righteous man. DARREN SWINDELL (O.S.) Alright, Ill check in with you later. Dakota hangs up the phone and sits back on the couch. DAKOTA JAMES (to himself) Im a superstar. (shouts out with his arms in the air) Im a fucking superstar! INT. LOS ANGELES FORUM A sold out crowd of 18,000 fans are yelling and screaming in anticipation of Helter Skelters first big concert. The crowd is a sea of HEADBANGERS, both young men and women, who are wearing black Helter Skelter t-shirts and ripped acid-wash jeans. CROWD (chanting loudly) Helter Skelter! Helter Skelter! BACKSTAGE The four band members are huddled around together ready to pray as several ROADIES and other support staff are also gathered around them. FREDDIE MORGAN OK guys, lets get ready. Lets get our game faces on. Its our time. (pauses) Let us pray. Dear god, please guide us through a kick ass show and allow us to give the fans what they want and have them leave this arena happy (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) while also allowing us to have amazing, victorious groupie sex after the show is over. HELTER SKELTER Amen. The band separates and gets ready to charge the stage. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, its go time guys! IN THE ARENA Suddenly, all the lights go off in anticipation of the concerts start. This just makes the fans go crazier and get louder. After a few anxious moments in the dark, a spectacular pyrotechnics show erupts on the stage as Helter Skelter rushes to their positions, grabs their instruments and starts jamming out to Metallicas Welcome Home. DAKOTA JAMES Welcome to where time stands still No one leaves and no one will Moon is full, never seems to change Just labeled mentally deranged Dream the same thing every night I see our freedom in my sight No locked doors, no windows barred No things to make my brain seem scarred Sleep my friend and you will see That dream is my reality They keep me locked up in this cage Can't they see it's why my brain says rage Sanitarium, leave me be Sanitarium, just leave me alone Build my fear of what's out there And cannot breathe the open air Whisper things into my brain Assuring me that I'm insane They think our heads are in their hands But violent use brings violent plans Keep him tight, it makes him well He's getting better, can't you tell? (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) No more can they keep us in Listen, damn it, we will win They see it right, they see it well But they think this saves us from our hell During the song, there are several shots of the crowd going crazy singing along, lighting up joints, mosh pits breaking out. There are even some younger ladies who are sitting on their boyfriends shoulders flashing their breasts to the band. DAKOTA JAMES (contd) Sanitarium, leave me be Sanitarium, just leave me alone Sanitarium, just leave me alone Fear of living on Natives getting restless now Mutiny in the air Got some death to do Mirror stares back hard Kill, it's such a friendly word Seems the only way For reaching out again LATER ON AT THE END OF THE CONCERT Their final encore song, Metallicas Seek and Destroy, comes to an end as the crowd goes wild and gives an extended standing ovation. DAKOTA JAMES Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy The band eats up every moment, taking several bows while they throw their extra guitar picks and drumsticks indiscriminately into the crowd.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Dakota looks down in the front row and sees Donna Wade, the Playboy Playmate that hes seen at other shows, standing there smiling at him. Dakota throws a guitar pick at the head of a SECURITY GUARD to get his attention since he has his back to him. The guard turns around and walks over to the stage as Dakota gets down on one knee to whisper into his ear. As hes talking to him, Dakota gestures over to Donna and winks at her as the guard shakes his head in acknowledgement. Afterwards, he stands up and joins his band in walking off the stage as the guard walks over to Donna, grabs her arm and leads her off to the side. BACKSTAGE The four band members run into the backstage, all on an adrenaline rush from just performing in front of a sold out arena. JULES MORGAN Whooo, thats how you do a fucking show. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Roadies, line em up. With that, the ROADIES promptly lay out several lines of cocaine next to four bottles of Jack Daniels. ROADIE #1 Youre all set. Dakota rushes over to be the first one to snort up a couple lines then down a few gulps of Jack, but hes quickly followed by his three other band members. FREDDIE MORGAN Where are the girls? ROADIE #2 Showering up for you guys. FREDDIE MORGAN Really?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese ROADIE #2 They were a little sweaty and dirty, so we thought that would be best. FREDDIE MORGAN You guys are good. Where are the showers? ROADIE #2 Down the hall, second door on your right. Freddie grabs a full bottle of Jack Daniels and starts walking down the hallway. FREDDIE MORGAN Gentlemen, shall we wash up with the ladies? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Lets do it. Skylar and Jules also grab bottles of their own and follow him down the hallway. JULES MORGAN Dakota, you coming? DAKOTA JAMES (looks preoccupied) Ill be over in a little bit. JULES MORGAN OK, suit yourself, but I dont know how much room therell be left. Once the guys are gone, Dakota walks over to a SECURITY GUARD standing by a door that leads to their backstage area. DAKOTA JAMES Hey, have you seen a hot blonde with big tits walking around here. SECURITY GUARD #1 Ive seen nothing but that tonight, theyre all in the showers.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, but this one wouldnt have had time to get back there. Theres a KNOCK at the door so the guard opens it; standing there is Donna Wade whos being escorted in by the other security guard. SECURITY GUARD #2 This ones for the band, she was picked out specifically by one of them. The guard notices Dakota standing in the room. SECURITY GUARD #2 There he is. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, shes fine. Donna walks into the room as the guard closes the door behind her. DAKOTA JAMES Hows it going? Im good. DONNA WADE I loved your show.

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DAKOTA JAMES Ive noticed you at a few of our shows. You seem to be a regular at the Whiskey. DONNA WADE What can I say? Im a fan. DAKOTA JAMES A very pretty fan at that. You know, besides the shows, you look very familiar. DONNA WADE I do, do I? Yes. No. DAKOTA JAMES Have I met you before? DONNA WADE

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Is there any way Id know you then? DONNA WADE Depends. DAKOTA JAMES Maybe Ive run into you at the Beanery? Donna strikes a very seductive pose that includes pushing her hair up with her hands and blowing him a kiss. DONNA WADE (contd) Do you recognize this? DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) I dont think so. DONNA WADE Im Donna Wade, 1983 Playboy Playmate of the Year. DAKOTA JAMES Really? DONNA WADE In the flesh. DAKOTA JAMES Thats hot. DONNA WADE I know. DAKOTA JAMES Well Donna Wade, Im Dakota James. Donna shakes Dakotas hand. DONNA WADE Nice to meet you. DAKOTA JAMES Can I offer you a drink and some coke? DONNA WADE I thought youd never ask.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Go ahead, make yourself comfortable. Donna heads straight over to the table where she doesnt waste any time and immediately snorts a line of coke and kicks back a shot of Jack. DAKOTA JAMES A self-sufficient woman too. have to get used to that. Ill

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Dakota follows suit and does another line of his own then a shot. DONNA WADE Shut up and fuck me. Donna grabs Dakota by the back of the head to bring him towards her then passionately makes out with him. Dakota picks her up and carries her into a janitors closet as she straddles her legs around him. INT. WORCESTER CENTRUM, BACKSTAGE TITLE CARD: 10 MONTHS LATER - LAST STOP OF THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION TOUR, BACKSTAGE AT THE WORCESTER CENTRUM Skylar is setting up an 8-millimeter camera to tape the bands interview with a ROLLING STONE REPORTER. The other three band members are sitting comfortably on the couch, each with a cigarette in one hand and a bottle of Jack in the other, while the reporter is sitting across from them on a no-frills chair. Dakota and Skylar both look stoned out of their minds and remain relatively quiet for most of the interview. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Whats Skylar doing? JULES MORGAN Oh, dont worry about him. Hes been chronicling our tour for the last six months.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Yeah man, I said to myself one day, were living through the best years of our lives right now so I should capture it on film. I want to be able to look back at this when Im eighty years old and remember the good times. JULES MORGAN Thats an ambitious goal to believe youll be alive at eighty. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hey, shut up man, it could happen. JULES MORGAN Rock n roll takes a toll on a man though. Skylar jumps into the middle of the couch and grabs a cigarette and bottle of Jack of his own. ROLLING STONE REPORTER I feel honored that you deem an interview with a lowly Rolling Stone reporter as video worthy. DAKOTA JAMES Its also good to have this video history because god knows weve been so fucked up on this tour we wont remember it next year, let alone when were older. FREDDIE MORGAN If we live to be older, which isnt a guarantee at all. DAKOTA JAMES Thats the truth. ROLLING STONE REPORTER You guys ready? DAKOTA JAMES Fuck it, lets do it.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese The reporter takes a tape recorder out of his jacket pocket and places it on the flimsy, plastic table in front of him. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Im here with Helter Skelter at the end of their long, grueling 10-month U.S. tour that has spanned each coast and has just wrapped up at the Centrum in Worcester, Massachusetts. What brought you guys to rock n roll? FREDDIE MORGAN Because we love music. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Yeah, but why rock n roll specifically? FREDDIE MORGAN I guess for the booze, sex and drugs if you want the honest answer. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Seriously? FREDDIE MORGAN Well yeah. Look I was a classicallytrained pianist growing up but I moved to the guitar as a teenager when I found out that there were no good Mozart getting blowjobs after a concert stories out there, but there were certainly many fucked up, cool Aerosmith stories we heard in our adolescence, so that definitely contributed to our path in life. JULES MORGAN Me and my brother have been living together for years, watching MTV, going to LA-area concerts around Sunset Strip and we just fell in love with the whole lifestyleand we wanted that lifestyle for ourselves. And dont get me wrong, we love our music and we love rock n roll as a genre. SKYLAR PENNINGTON We love our music.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES But we love ass almost as much though. ROLLING STONE REPORTER So guys, tell me about the Total Destruction tour. FREDDIE MORGAN Its been difficult man, ten months on the road is a long time. JULES MORGAN A long time. FREDDIE MORGAN Thank god we love the life though. JULES MORGAN And we love our fans, seeing our fans, performing for our fans, hanging out with our fans. SKYLAR PENNINGTON And fucking our fans. JULES MORGAN Yeah, thats definitely up there. Thankfully we have some good looking fans. DAKOTA JAMES But we miss LA, we miss our favorite bars FREDDIE MORGAN (interrupts) We miss our drug dealers. I mean we send our roadies outside to get us some shit in these random towns and you never know what the fuck theyll come back with. Skunky weed, baking soda and shit like that. Just give me good ole Los Angeles any time, a place where I can at least trust the drugs. SKYLAR PENNINGTON A lot of times itll really be shit.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese ROLLING STONE REPORTER Must be hard on relationships too. FREDDIE MORGAN (laughs) Relationships? Theres no such thing as relationships when youre on the road as a rock star. You just go from one groupie to the next, from one town to the next. Humping your way through life. JULES MORGAN Freddie, which one of us has the record for bagging the most groupies at one stop? FREDDIE MORGAN Thats got to be Skylar. No one would know it, but this damn hippie, surfboarder motherfucker is a stud. Where were we? St. Louis? Bloomington? SKYLAR PENNINGTON What? JULES MORGAN When you slayed those seven bitches in the hotel room after the show? SKYLAR PENNINGTON (thinking for a moment) Ohhh, shit I remember that, barely, it was Charlotte. FREDDIE MORGAN Charlotte thats right. (reminiscing) I like Charlotte. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Shit was crazy. JULES MORGAN But not everyone is free from a relationship though. ROLLING STONE REPORTER What do you mean?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Dakota right here hit the jackpot. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Is that right? JULES MORGAN Yeah, while were off fucking skanks in every city, Dakota over here is banging a Playboy Playmate. DAKOTA JAMES Banging? JULES MORGAN Sorry, you know what I mean. Playmate of the Year. DAKOTA JAMES 1983 thank you very much. ROLLING STONE REPORTER So Dakota, tell me about her. DAKOTA JAMES Shes great man. I met her at our First concert on the Total Destruction tour back in LA, and shes come out to about five or six shows since. FREDDIE MORGAN Try eight. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, but whos counting. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Eight shows, must be love. DAKOTA JAMES Something like that. Look, Im not overly sentimental ROLLING STONE REPORTER (interrupts) But you like her, right? 1981

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Id have to if Im passing up the amount of ass I sometimes pass up every night. ROLLING STONE REPORTER Wait, if Im reading between the lines, does that mean youre not faithful? DAKOTA JAMES What do you mean? ROLLING STONE REPORTER You were talking about the amount of ass you sometimes pass up. DAKOTA JAMES Im rock n roll. ROLLING STONE REPORTER So is that a no? DAKOTA JAMES My girl loves me and I love her and isnt that what matters when it comes right down to it? ROLLING STONE REPORTER OK, lets move onto another topic LATER ON BACKSTAGE Dakota is sitting on a couch by himself with the phone on his shoulder and guitar in his hands. Hes in the middle of a conversation with Donna on the other end. DAKOTA JAMES So what are you doing? INT. DONNA WADES HOUSE, LIVING ROOM Donna is sitting on a couch in her living room wearing a red teddy with a magazine on her lap. DONNA WADE Nothing, just sitting around in a red teddy reading a magazine. DAKOTA JAMES (O.S.) Thats hot. Are you touching yourself?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE I am. Are you? DAKOTA JAMES (O.S.) Oh yeah, right backstage, I dont give a fuck who sees me. Im a hard rocker thats rock hard for you. DONNA WADE I wish you were here, itd be hotter. DAKOTA JAMES (O.S.) I know it would be baby. DONNA WADE What are you doing? INT. WORCESTER CENTRUM, BACKSTAGE DAKOTA JAMES Well, we just wrapped up our show and now Im hanging out backstage relaxing, playing around with the lyrics to a new song that the groups been working on. (pauses) I actually wrote it about you, would you like to hear it? DONNA WADE (O.S.) I would love to hear it. DAKOTA JAMES OK, here it goes. Dont judge me too much, its still a work in progress. Dakota begins singing Guns N Roses Sweet Child O Mine. DAKOTA JAMES (contd) She's got a smile that it seems to me Reminds me of childhood memories Where everything Was as fresh as the bright blue sky Now and then when I see her face She takes me away to that special place And if I stared too long I'd probably break down and cry Oh, oh, oh (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) Sweet child o' mine Oh, oh, oh, oh Sweet love of mine She's got eyes of the bluest skies As if they thought of rain I hate to look into those eyes And see an ounce of pain Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place Where as a child I'd hide And pray for the thunder And the rain To quietly pass me by Oh, oh, oh Sweet child o' mine Oh, oh, oh, oh Sweet love of mine (pauses) So what do you think? DONNA WADE (O.S.) I love it, thats so nice. DAKOTA JAMES Im glad you do. Weve been playing around with it during our shows, the crowds seem to like it even if Freddie doesnt. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Why doesnt he? DAKOTA JAMES He thinks its too slow, too basic, too simplistic. Whatever, I think we need this to appeal more to women. I think itll help broaden our fan base and maximize our value. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Well I like it. Jules walks into the room with a duffel bag over his shoulder. JULES MORGAN Yo, Dakota, you ready? Were leaving.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, gimme one more minute. JULES MORGAN Ahhh, you need more time with your lovebird, I get it. DAKOTA JAMES Shut up, dick. JULES MORGAN Ill see you on the bus. Jules walks out and Dakota goes back to his conversation with Donna. DONNA WADE (O.S.) I miss you. DAKOTA JAMES I miss you too. DONNA WADE (O.S.) When are you coming back? DAKOTA JAMES Tomorrow night. Come on out with us, were going to hit up the Strip and blow off some steam. Should be fun. DONNA WADE (O.S.) OK, I will. DAKOTA JAMES Love you. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Love you too baby. INT. BARNEYS BEANERY, SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD The four band members are standing at the rowdy bar in front of a line of 16 empty shot glasses. Their girlfriends and other assorted groupies and hangers-on, both men and women, are gathered behind him. The BARTENDER opens a new bottle of Jack Daniels and goes down the bar filling up each empty shot glass.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN OK, OK, are we doing this? BARNEYS BEANERY BARTENDER Are you gentlemen ready? DAKOTA JAMES Lets do this! Cheered on by the rowdy crowd, the guys down each shot in quick succession, pounding each glass on the bar when theyre done, until theyre each through all four of them. After he finishes his last shot, Dakota turns around and makes out with his girlfriend, Donna. This leads the other guys to turn and make out with their random girlfriends too. FREDDIE MORGAN (turns to the bartender) Fill them up again! BARNEYS BEANERY BARTENDER OK, its your funerals. FREDDIE MORGAN Funerals? Fuck you. Were rock stars, were immortal! The bartender lines up each shot glass and refills them. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck it, pour shots for the entire bar! The bartender motions over to a couple bus boys and another bartender to help him set up the extra shot glasses. With the help of four employees in total, all the shot glasses are set up in no time. There are literally dozens which completely the bar. Each employee grabs a bottle of Jack and starts filling the glasses. Once done, Freddie grabs a glass, stands up on a barstool and raises the shot over his head. FREDDIE MORGAN Listen up fuckers and fuckettes; grab a shot, Id like to make a toast.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese The bartenders help hand out the shots to everyone. FREDDIE MORGAN Heres to a successful album and U.S. tour. Id like to thank my fellow band members, our music, our friends, our girlfriends, our fans, our roadies, and yes even our groupies. The four girlfriends collectively roll their eyes. FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) Everyone in their own way, either big or small, is responsible for our success. And we thank you for that. To those that let us rock, we salute you! The crowd roars in approval as Freddie downs his shot followed by the rest of the crowd. FREDDIE MORGAN Weve conquered the U.S., next up is Europe! Fuck you Europe, were coming for your ass! Freddie shouts out in celebration before he jumps off his barstool and crowd surfs down the length of the bar. JULES MORGAN And here I thought I was always the crazy one. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I was thinking about what Freddie just said. We should call our European tour, Total Destruction the 2nd D-Day. JULES MORGAN Shut up and drink Skylar. DAKOTA JAMES Well I guess its got a better ring to it, and less polarizing than, Total Destruction the 2nd Holocaust. After finishing crowd surfing, Freddie makes his way through the crowd and back to his fellow band members.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Freddie, youre a crazy man. FREDDIE MORGAN I guess thats what a fifth of Jack does to a guy. DAKOTA JAMES Hey I got an idea, lets go to Chateau Marmont! What? JULES MORGAN Were comfortable here.

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DAKOTA JAMES Yeah but weve been here for a while, lets get a change of scenery. Come on, Chateau is cool. Were cool. Its probably popping tonight, we should be where the actions at. FREDDIE MORGAN Alright, Ill roll. JULES MORGAN Well all roll. EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD NIGHT Helter Skelter is marching down the sidewalk along the Strip with their girlfriends in toe while their roadies, groupies and fans follow closely behind. There are literally dozens are people clustered together. On their walk towards the Chateau Marmont, Skylar notices a huge billboard featuring the band thats promoting their Total Destruction album. Whoa. famous. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Check that out up there. JULES MORGAN Looking good. Looking good? DAKOTA JAMES My nose looks huge. Were

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN No shit, anyones nose will look huge when youre fourteen feet tall. DAKOTA JAMES Still, I dont like it. Im going to call our manager tomorrow to see what he can do about this. Donna, whos wearing a short, skintight white dress, is walking with Dakota who has his arm around her waist. DONNA WADE Oh come on honey, you look great! DAKOTA JAMES (kisses Donna) Thanks baby. Dakota playfully grabs her ass. DONNA WADE Dakota! DAKOTA JAMES Sorry girl, I cant help myself. You look hot in your dress, and that ass is out of this world. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Where the hell is this place? JULES MORGAN Relax, were almost there. INT. CHATEAU MARMONT, BAR Helter Skelter and crew have taken over the bar and are engaging in debauchery - several people are openly smoking weed and doing other recreational drugs while some females are roaming around scantily clad or even semi-naked. A topless young female is randomly swinging from a chandelier in the middle of the bar while several people gather around to watch. Freddie and Jules are standing at the bar flicking empty shot glass after empty shot glass at glasses sitting on a

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese shelf behind the bar, trying to break them for no apparent reason other than that theyre there in front of them. Jules throws another shot glass but misses all the glasses completely. JULES MORGAN Son-of-a-bitch. FREDDIE MORGAN You never were a good shot. JULES MORGAN I broke ten of them though. FREDDIE MORGAN Not as good as my twelve. JULES MORGAN (to the bartender) Hey can you set up more glasses? The bartender walks over to Jules and looks at him incredulously. CHATEAU BARTENDER Are you fucking kidding me? Youre breaking all my glasses! FREDDIE MORGAN Relax, its not like youre paying for them. CHATEAU BARTENDER You want to bet? My manager can easily dock my pay for this. FREDDIE MORGAN Fine. Freddie reaches into his pocket, pulls out a hundred dollar bill and throws it at the bartender. FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) This should take care of it. JULES MORGAN And while were at it

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Jules reaches into his pocket, pulls out a hundred dollar bill of his own and throws it at the bartender. JULES MORGAN (contd) heres more money, rack up another twenty glasses for us. This is fun. night. FREDDIE MORGAN I can play this game all

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Freddie turns to Jules at which point he finally notices theres a broken needle hanging out from Freddies right arm. JULES MORGAN (shockingly) Holy fuck. FREDDIE MORGAN What? JULES MORGAN You got a fucking needle in your arm! Freddie looks at his arm, shrugs and just yanks it out. FREDDIE MORGAN Oh this thing? Dont worry. Its just heroin. I mustve gotten distracted when I shot up. JULES MORGAN Youre nuts. FREDDIE MORGAN Like a macadamia. Dakota is hidden in the corner of the room making out with a young groupie while his girlfriend, Donna, is nowhere to be seen. Skylar approaches Dakota and interrupts his make out session. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Yo Dakota.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Dakota tries to wave him off without even opening his eyes, but Skylar is insistent and grabs his arm. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Dakota! Dakota finally stops making out with his groupie. DAKOTA JAMES (annoyed) What? SKYLAR PENNINGTON What are you doing man? DAKOTA JAMES What does it look like Im doing? thanking a fan. SKYLAR PENNINGTON But your girlfriends here. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, but shes not here now. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thats true, I suppose. DAKOTA JAMES Scram man and mind your own business. Im gonna get mine. With that, Skylar walks away and Dakota goes back to making out with his girl. On the other side of the room, Donna leaves the bathroom and walks back across the bar area towards Dakota. However, she stops halfway in her tracks when she looks over and sees that Dakota is making out with someone else. Pissed off, she marches over and slaps him right in the face while hes still making out with the other girl. This makes Dakota bang his head against the groupies head. DONNA WADE Asshole. Im

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Barely able to contain her crying she then promptly storms out of the bar. DAKOTA JAMES Donna, wait. Just as Dakota tries to run after her, the groupie grabs a hold of him and brings him back to her. GROUPIE AT CHATEAU Where are you going? DAKOTA JAMES Thats my girlfriend, I have to go after her. GROUPIE AT CHATEAU In a minute. The groupie makes out with him again and Dakota doesnt seem to mind. However, after a few moments Dakota pushes her away. DAKOTA JAMES No, no I have to go. Dakota gives her one last quick kiss then rushes out of the bar to chase after Donna. This leaves the groupie just standing there by herself, so she walks over to Skylar, grabs his ass from behind and makes out with him. EXT. SUNSET BOULEVARD NIGHT Donna is storming down the sidewalk as Dakota tries to catch up to her. DAKOTA JAMES Baby. Donna ignores him and keep walking. DAKOTA JAMES Donna, baby. She continues ignoring him so Dakota runs up from behind and grabs her arm.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Come on baby, talk to me. Donna stops just past the big Total Destruction billboard along the side of the road and turns around to get in his face. DONNA WADE (angrily) What do you want from me? DAKOTA JAMES Why are you mad at me? DONNA WADE Are you serious right now? Why am I mad at you? Maybe because youre a fucking idiot. Or maybe because you are a no good, cheating asshole. DAKOTA JAMES Baby Dakota grabs her arm again to try to console her but Donna pushes him away as she starts crying. DONNA WADE Get your hands off me and dont baby me Dakota. Youre a selfish asshole. DAKOTA JAMES Calm down Donna. DONNA WADE No I wont calm down. Ill do whatever the fuck I want. DAKOTA JAMES Youre making a scene out here in the middle of the street. DONNA WADE Like I give a fuck about all these losers driving by. Who was she anyways? DAKOTA JAMES Who?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE The whore you were making out with back there. You know, I walk away for two minutes to go powder my nose and you just cant resist sticking your tongue in someone elses mouth. She kissed me. Really? DAKOTA JAMES Yes, shes just some dumb groupie that follows me and the guys around. She means nothing to me. DONNA WADE It didnt look like she meant nothing to you. DAKOTA JAMES Shes a fan. I like to treat my fans well. Look, its the price you pay for dating a rock star. Im sorry, it happens. DONNA WADE Thats your explanation? Thats your excuse? DAKOTA JAMES Thats my apology. DONNA WADE (sarcastically) Thats one hell of an apology. DAKOTA JAMES Look Im not good at this sort of shit. But if theres one thing I know, its that I love you. DONNA WADE You do? DAKOTA JAMES But shes no one. DONNA WADE

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Yes. I love you baby. I want to be with you. DONNA WADE I want to be with you too, but I cant if youre always going to act like an asshole. This wasnt the first time I caught you, you know? DAKOTA JAMES I know. DONNA WADE So how do I know that youll change? DAKOTA JAMES You dont. But actions speak louder than words. I think I can prove my love to you. DONNA WADE How are you going to do that? Dakota gets down on one knee, with his own larger than life image on the billboard behind him, and grabs Donnas hand. DONNA WADE (startled) What the hell are you doing? Dakota takes off one of the rings hes wearing and places it on her ring finger. DAKOTA JAMES I wasnt really prepared for this moment, but I am prepared for its aftermath. Ill get you your own ring tomorrow, but in the meantime take one of my own for now. DONNA WADE No seriously, what the hell are you doing? DAKOTA JAMES Will you marry me? Donnas tears of anger quickly turn into tears of joy.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE Yes, I will!

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Yes.

Donna helps Dakota to his feet as the two embrace and share a passionate kiss. EXT. PLAYBOY MANSION DAY BACKYARD On a bright sunny day, Dakota and Donna are standing at a makeshift altar on their wedding day in front of hundreds of guests, including HUGH HEFNER himself, and flanked by Dakotas three fellow band mates as his groomsmen and Donnas fellow Playboy Playmates as her bridesmaids. The wedding ceremony is close to concluding. PRIEST Repeat after me. I, Dakota, take you Donna, to be my lawfully wedded wife. DAKOTA JAMES I, Dakota, take you Donna, to be my lawfully wedded wife. PRIEST To have and to hold, from this day forward. DAKOTA JAMES To have and to hold from this day forward. PRIEST For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. DAKOTA JAMES For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. PRIEST Donna, repeat after me. I, Donna, take you Dakota, to be my lawfully wedded husband.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE I, Donna, take you Dakota, to be my lawfully wedded husband. PRIEST To have and to hold, from this day forward. DONNA WADE To have and to hold from this day forward. PRIEST For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. DONNA WADE For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. PRIEST Dakota, Donna, with the power invested to me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dakota, you may kiss your bride. DAKOTA JAMES Hell yeah! Dakota gives Donna a passionate kiss, maybe even a little too passionate for a formal ceremony, to the rousing applause of their guests. Once done, Dakota and Donna turn to face the crowd as Dakota pumps his fist into the air triumphantly. Quickly, the groomsmen and bridesmaids converge on the two to congratulate them. DAKOTA JAMES (shouts out) Lets party!

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese LATER ON AT THE RECEPTION All the guests are drinking and mingling on the other side of the backyard where a bunch of tables have been set up for the reception. Dakota and Jules are standing together drinking champagne while they watch Freddie hitting on one of the hot Playboy Playmate bridesmaids at the bar. JULES MORGAN Look at Freddie working Miss April 1984. DAKOTA JAMES Man, hes way out of his league on this one. JULES MORGAN Might be true, but shes at least putting up with his shit. DAKOTA JAMES True. Im interested to see how this plays out. JULES Well, the reception Hef bought cases of the odds are in his MORGAN just started and booze, so Im sure favor.

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Donna, whos busy entertaining a couple of her older guests, becomes upset after noticing Dakota staring at the bridesmaid whos talking to Freddie. Unable to contain herself, Donna abruptly walks away from her conversation and approaches Dakota. DONNA WADE What the hell are you doing? DAKOTA JAMES (perplexed) What? DONNA WADE I see what youre doing.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Honey, I have no idea what youre talking about. DONNA WADE Dont play dumb with me, I saw you from over there. JULES MORGAN (awkwardly) Ill leave you two lovebirds alone. DONNA WADE So you want to fuck one of my bridesmaids? Dakota instinctively laughs at Donnas thought since he finds it so preposterous which only upsets her more. DONNA WADE So this is funny to you? This is just a big joke? Well maybe our marriage is just a big fucking joke. DAKOTA JAMES Honey, calm down. Breathe. doing anything. DONNA Are you kidding me? you from over there, fucking the shit out Angelina. I wasnt

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WADE I was watching you were eyeof my friend

DAKOTA JAMES No, I was watching Freddie make a fool out of himself with her. DONNA WADE I dont believe you. DAKOTA JAMES Its the truth though. Come on baby, its our wedding day. You think Id be that stupid to even look at another girl today? Relax. Donna just stands there staring him down.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Come on, lets be chill. DONNA WADE (reluctantly) OK. I suppose youre right. Even you arent that big of a creep. DAKOTA JAMES Thanks baby. Dakota gives her a kiss. DONNA WADE Ill be watching you though. DAKOTA JAMES I know you will be. Go on, get yourself another glass of champagne. As Donna walks away, Jules walks over to rejoin Dakota. JULES MORGAN What the hell was that? DAKOTA JAMES Dont ask. I think she had a little too much to drink already. JULES MORGAN I sense a combustible relationship forming. DAKOTA JAMES Thats what Im afraid of. JULES MORGAN Maybe you do need to stop fucking other girls. DAKOTA JAMES Lets not get crazy now. Im a rock star. But in this case, I actually didnt do anything wrong. JULES MORGAN Not this time anyways.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES I wasnt looking at her, but now that I am, I wouldnt mind taking a ride on her after Freddies done. JULES MORGAN Get in line pal. DAKOTA JAMES Whatever, I call lead vocalist privileges. Fuck you. JULES MORGAN Lets get another drink.

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DAKOTA JAMES OK, but not at that bar, thats where my bride is. Lets go to the other one. LATER ON AT THE BAR Dakota, Jules, Skylar and Freddie are all standing at the bar ripping shots of Jack when HUGH HEFNER approaches them. HUGH HEFNER Gentlemen, I trust all is going well? FREDDIE MORGAN Hef! HUGH HEFNER Congratulations on your nuptials Dakota. DAKOTA JAMES Thank you sir. Thank you for allowing us to hold our wedding at your mansion. Its very impressive. HUGH HEFNER My pleasure. You know Donna is one of my favorite playmates ever, make sure you take good care of her. DAKOTA JAMES I will sir.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hef, would you like to take a shot with us? HUGH HEFNER (thinking for a moment) Sure, why not. What are we drinking? JULES MORGAN Whatever youd like Hef. HUGH HEFNER Jack Daniels all the way. The bartender quickly pours them five shots and they toast to Dakota. HUGH HEFNER To Dakota, may you have a happy and healthy family and home. HELTER SKELTER Cheers! HUGH HEFNER I must be going now to greet the other guests, but Dakota, let me know if you need anything. DAKOTA JAMES Thank you sir. FREDDIE MORGAN How does it feel knowing that youre marrying the sloppy seconds of a 70 year old man? DAKOTA JAMES Could be worse. FREDDIE MORGAN How so? DAKOTA MORGAN I could be marrying your sloppy seconds. Suddenly the guys hear a band playing their November Rain song on the stage.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese COVER BAND LEAD SINGER When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained. DAKOTA JAMES What the hell is that? The guys turn around to look at the stage. COVER BAND SINGER But darlin' when I hold you, don't you know I feel the same? yeah SKYLAR PENNINGTON I guess Hef got a cover band for the reception. JULES MORGAN Thank god, we get a day off. DAKOTA JAMES I dont like it, only we should be playing our songs. FREDDIE MORGAN Oh relax Dakota, its your wedding day. Donna and her three bridesmaids approach the guys, grab their hands and pull them onto the dance floor. DONNA WADE This is my favorite song of yours! Lets dance! Lets all dance to it! DANCE FLOOR While the four couples are the first to begin dancing, the floor quickly fills up with other couples joining them as the band continues. COVER BAND LEAD SINGER Nothin' lasts forever and we both know hearts can change And it's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain We've been through this such a long long time Just tryin' to kill the pain, ooh yeah (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese COVER BAND LEAD SINGER (contd) But lovers always come and lovers always go An' no one's really sure who's lettin' go today, walking away DAKOTA JAMES God theyre butchering our song. FREDDIE MORGAN No theyre not, theyre fine. COVER BAND LEAD SINGER And if we take the time to lay it on the line I could rest my head just knowin' that you were mine, all mine So if you want to love me then darlin' don't refrain Or I'll just end up walkin' in the cold November rain Do you need some time on your own? Do you need some time all alone? Everybody needs some time on their own Don't you know you need some time all alone? Although the band really does sound fine, Dakota cant take it anymore that someone else is singing their song so he rushes on stage, pushes the singer away and grabs the microphone. DAKOTA JAMES OK folks, I cant sit by and listen to some second rate high school band sing my song off key anymore, so were going to finish this off ourselves. Dakota continues singing the song himself. DAKOTA JAMES I know it's hard to keep an open heart when even friends seem out to harm you SKYLAR PENNIGNTON I guess we should join him on stage. Jules throws his drink down on the ground in anger.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN There goes our day off. Jules, Skylar and Freddie leave the dance floor and jump on the stage to join Dakota in the song. DAKOTA JAMES But if you could heal the broken heart Wouldn't time be out to charm you? Sometimes I need some time on my own Sometimes I need some time all alone Everybody needs some time on their own Don't you know you need some time all alone And when your fears subside and shadows still remain, oh yeah I know that you can love me when there's no one left to blame So never mind the darkness we still can find a way Nothin' lasts forever even cold November rain Don't ya think that you need somebody? Don't ya think that you need someone? Everybody needs somebody You're not the only one, you're not the Only one All of the guests stand to applaud at the end of the song. LATER ON AT NIGHT THE HEAD TABLE Its late at night and the wedding party looks exhausted from partying all day but theyre still drinking in the middle of dinner. DAKOTA JAMES Great party guys, great party. Skylar is openly smoking a joint. SKYLAR PENNINGTON It certainly was. JULES MORGAN Was? Skylar were going til the break of dawn.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES With a party like this, it almost makes me want to get married every year. DONNA WADE Watch it buddy. DAKOTA JAMES I said almost honey. FREDDIE MORGAN Dont worry Dakota, the way you party Im sure youll have several more weddings in your future. DONNA WADE Freddie! DAKOTA JAMES Dont be a dick man. FREDDIE MORGAN Im kidding. (pauses) Let me make a toast. Freddie grabs a bottle of champagne while everyone else grabs a glass. FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) To Dakota, hes not the most talented person in the band, nor the bestlooking either, but he is the luckiest, congratulations to him and Donna. EVERYONE AT THE TABLE Cheers. Freddie takes a big gulp from the bottle while the others down their glasses. Although Freddie was joking around, Dakota didnt appreciate his comments since they got under his skin. DAKOTA JAMES What do you mean Im not the most talented?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN What? DAKOTA JAMES You tell me, you said it. FREDDIE MORGAN Dakota, I was just busting your balls. DAKOTA JAMES No you werent, you think thats true, dont you? JULES MORGAN Dakota, relax. DAKOTA JAMES Dont tell me what to do Jules. FREDDIE MORGAN Dakota, I was DAKOTA JAMES (interrupts) I have a hundred times more talent than you do. Im the fucking lead singer for a reason. FREDDIE MORGAN A hundred times? Dakota, listen I was just busting balls. I dont want to get into an argument with you. Not on your wedding day. DAKOTA JAMES Well you got an argument now. Come on, you want to get on the stage and jam one on one to see whos more talented? FREDDIE MORGAN No, I dont want to jam with you right now. Dakota stands up and starts pushing Freddie from across the table. DAKOTA JAMES (heatedly) Come on bitch, lets go bitch.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN You should stop pushing me. This makes Dakota push him even harder. DAKOTA JAMES What are you going to do about it bitch? Huh, huh, you pussy. Freddie finally gets tired of being pushed so he stands up and pushes him back. FREDDIE MORGAN Im going to kick your fucking ass, thats what Im going to do! This leads Dakota to punch Freddie in the face followed by Freddie punching him in return to the shock of everyone at the table. They quickly wrestle each other to the ground and roll around for a little while trying to get a clear shot. DONNA WADE Guys, guys, stop! Stop it! Jules and Skylar spring up from their chairs and try to break them up. JULES MORGAN Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you guys doing? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Be cool, guys, be cool! JULES MORGAN Just not in the face again, dont punch in the face. We have to go on tour in a few days! Once they finally break them up, Jules and Skylar help the two get to their feet. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That shit wasnt cool man.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Whats wrong with you guys? Youre friends. Why are you fighting? SKYLAR PENNINGTON And at a wedding no less. DAKOTA JAMES (thinking for a moment) I dont know. Maybe because Im drunk. FREDDIE MORGAN And Im high. JULES MORGAN Well thats not a good excuse fellas. Come on, relax both of you. Shake hands and make up. Dakota and Freddie reluctantly shake each others hands while Jules turns to the rest of the guests to settle them down. JULES MORGAN OK folks, nothing to see here. It was just a harmless, little band spat. Go back to your prime rib. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Good, now that were all friends again, lets do something to wind down and relax. Its been a long day. JULES MORGAN Fine with me, what should we do? Freddie notices that he has a sizeable rip on the back of his pants. FREDDIE MORGAN Ohh shit, my fucking pants are ripped. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You can dress us up but you cant take us out. ANGELINA We should get you out of those.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN (smiles) I have an idea. LATER ON IN THE GROTTO The four couples in the wedding party, including Dakota and Donna, are all having sex in the grotto. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Well were doing it, were all having sex in the famed grotto. JULES MORGAN Unbelievable if you ask me. I dreamt about this for years, ever since I spanked it to my first Playboy mag when I was twelve, but I never thought wed actually be living it. FREDDIE MORGAN This is what being a rock star is all about. ANGELINA (playfully slaps him) Shut up and concentrate you big stud. DAKOTA JAMES (whispers to Donna) I love you baby. DONNA WADE I love you too. Dakota and Donna share a passionate kiss. FRONT OF THE MANSION A large crowd of GUESTS and PLAYMATES have gathered out front to see the newlyweds off. Dakota and Donna exit the house hand-in-hand and make their way through a line of sparkler-waving well wishers over to a HARLEY DAVIDSON. Dakota jumps on the Hog and revs it up as Donna gets on and puts her arms around him.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES After party at the Hyatt on Sunset! Everyone follow me! The crowd shouts out in excitement as Dakota peels down the driveway on his motorcycle which has a Just Married sign and streamers hanging from the back of it. Jules, Freddie, Skylar walk over to their cars parked nearby; each has a bridesmaid on their arm. Jules jumps into his PORSCHE, while Skylar is a lot more modest with his choice of a FORD MUSTANG and Freddie is a little more flashy with his DOLOREAN. INT. HYATT ON SUNSET HOTEL LOBBY Dakota rides his motorcycle through the front doors and right into the previously peaceful lobby. The few people in there have to quickly rush out of the way so they dont get hit. Dakota stops his motorcycle in the middle of the lobby and revs it up again. DAKOTA JAMES What should we do now? DONNA WADE I dont know, maybe we should go check out our room? DAKOTA JAMES Sounds good. Dakota rides the motorcycle over to an open elevator and actually enters it on his bike. DONNA WADE Youre crazy Dakota. I am. DAKOTA JAMES Can you press 11 please?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese ELEVENTH FLOOR HALLWAY Dakota and Donna speed from the other end of the hallway on the motorcycle while Dakota revs it up periodically, the sound reverberating throughout the halls, and Donna sits on the back laughing. They stop in front of their room. DAKOTA JAMES Here it is, room 1128. Dakota decides to back his motorcycle up then drive straight into the suite, knocking the door down in the process. FIRST FLOOR BAR Later on, the bar off of the lobby is filled with wedding guests letting loose and drinking. Suddenly, Dakota, walking hand-in-hand with his wife, enters to re-join the festivities. JULES MORGAN Dakota, whereve you been? DAKOTA JAMES Oh you know, just making sweet, sweet love to my wife. DONNA WADE (embarrassed) Dak, stop it. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Dak? DAKOTA JAMES Whoa, honey, you know how I feel about Dak. DONNA WADE Sorry baby. Dakota looks around to survey the scene at the bar and is clearly not happy about the energy level even though the people are loud and happy.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Did I just enter a

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What the fuck? funeral?

JULES MORGAN What are you talking about? ones having a good time.

Every-

DAKOTA JAMES Not good enough for my liking. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Its late though. DAKOTA JAMES Late is just a state of mind. Dakota jumps onto the bar to get everyones attention. DAKOTA JAMES (yells) You guys call this a party?!?! I might as well just stick my dick in the mashed potatoes then. Skylar leans over and whispers into Jules ear. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I already did that back at Mr. Hefners place. Dakota grabs a bottle of Jack off the bar and starts pounding it then waves it over the crowd, spilling some of it on them. DAKOTA JAMES Lets fucking party! FREDDIE MORGAN Fine. You want to fucking party!?! Everyone up to my room! Ill show you all how to party. DAKOTA JAMES Now thats what Im talking about. Everyone begins filing out of the bar.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese EXT. HYATT ON SUNSET HOTEL NIGHT A TV is thrown off of a tenth floor balcony and falls to the ground, barely missing two people who are walking along the sidewalk. INT. HYATT ON SUNSET HOTEL FREDDIES SUITE ON THE TENTH FLOOR The packed suite hollers in approval after Freddie throws the TV off the balcony so he walks back into the room and high fives the people around him. FREDDIE MORGAN What should we throw next? RANDOM PERSON IN FREDDIES ROOM #1 A bottle! RANDOM PERSON IN FREDDIES ROOM #2 A lamp! SKYLAR PENNINGTON What about the couch? Ohh yes! FREDDIE MORGAN The couch! Lets do it!

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Freddie runs over to the couch and starts pushing it but is struggling with its large size. FREDDIE MORGAN Help me out Skylar. Skylar rushes over and helps Freddie pick up the couch and bring it over to the balcony. FREDDIE MORGAN Should we toss it?!? CROWD (chanting) Do it! Do it!

Do it!

Freddie stops Skylar just as he starts lifting it. FREDDIE MORGAN Wait, wait, wait, hold on.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Freddie takes out his lighter and lights the couch on fire to the applause of the crowd. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hold on, its not burning fast enough. Skylar grabs a liquor bottle and pours its remaining contents onto the couch to accelerate the fire. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Now were ready. Freddie and Skylar lift the burning couch and throw it over the balcony to the wild applause of the crowd. FREDDIE MORGAN Yes! Dakota, was this the kind of party you were looking for? DAKOTA JAMES Something like that. Dakota walks over to a wooden cabinet and starts kicking it until his foot goes through it. Jules goes into the mini-bar and starts throwing around the tiny bottles of whiskey and vodka to everyone. JULES MORGAN One more cheers, one more cheers for the big man and his new wife. Everyone raises their mini bottle. JULES MORGAN To Dakota and Donna, may they live happily ever after. CROWD Cheers! Everyone downs their bottle as Dakota and Donna share a kiss. Freddie stumbles over to the

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese EXT. HYATT ON SUNSET HOTEL, FREDDIES BALCONY NIGHT And looks down at the burning couch on the ground below. After a moment, he decides to unzip his jeans and piss on the couch from ten stories up. FREDDIE MORGAN (shouts) I piss awesome! Freddie raises his bottle of Jack in triumph as he continues to piss. When Jules comes by to check on his brother, Freddie begins to puke over the balcony while still pissing. JULES MORGAN Apparently you puke it too. FREDDIE MORGAN (coughing) Fuck you! Freddie takes a gulp of Jack Daniels after hes done vomiting. INT. DAKOTA JAMES MANSION IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS LIVING ROOM Dakota is walking around his expansive living room looking for his shoes as Donna yells at his from upstairs. DAKOTA JAMES Have you seen my shoes? DONNA WADE (O.S.) Why do you need your shoes!?! not going out again, are you? DAKOTA JAMES I am. And I have to, its for rehearsal. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Fuck you! Weve been married three days and Ive probably seen you three minutes. Not to mention we havent (MORE) Youre

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE (O.S.) (contd) gone on a honeymoon. What kind of couple doesnt even go on a honeymoon? DAKOTA JAMES You knew I was going on tour, what do you think, this shit just automatically happens? We have to practice so that were tight on stage. DONNA WADE (O.S.) What about me? When are you going to make time for me? DAKOTA JAMES After the tour. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Whats that? Six months? DAKOTA JAMES No, just four. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Four months! Asshole! DAKOTA JAMES You knew the deal. (to himself) Where the fuck are my shoes? DONNA WADE (O.S.) Did you pick up my car this morning? DAKOTA JAMES No honey, its still at the dealership. DONNA WADE (O.S.) What is it still doing at the dealership? DAKOTA JAMES I didnt have time to pick it up yet. Time. DONNA WADE (O.S.) You never have any time for (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE (O.S.) (contd) me. But you have plenty of time to play around with your loser friends. DAKOTA JAMES Those loser friends help me buy you new dresses, jewelry, shoes, not to mention, a new car. Speaking of shoes, where the hell are my shoes? DONNA WADE (O.S.) Did you feed your tiger? DAKOTA JAMES No, but the housekeeper is going to take care of that. She always does. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Speaking of that, what kind of sick, delusional person actually gets a tiger as a pet? DAKOTA JAMES Its not a pet, its a status symbol. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Thats quite a stupid status symbol. DAKOTA JAMES Not for the Chinese. DONNA WADE (O.S.) Were not in China dumbass. DAKOTA JAMES Liking Chinese things is, in itself, a status symbol itself darling. Read a book! DONNA WADE (O.S.) Yeah, youre really bright. DAKOTA JAMES (to himself) No seriously, where are my fucking shoes? Donna storms down the stairs carrying his shoes.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DONNA WADE Here, you want your shoes? She walks over to the front door, opens it up and tosses his shoes into the front yard. Go get em. them. DONNA WADE I hope the tiger eats

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DAKOTA JAMES Oh, real fucking mature Donna. Youre such a fucking baby sometimes. DONNA WADE Whaa, whaa, whaa asshole. DAKOTA JAMES Whats your deal dude? DONNA WADE Im tired of your shit. DAKOTA JAMES Tired of my shit? Weve been married for three days! DONNA WADE And its felt like an eternity. Really? DAKOTA JAMES You think that? DONNA WADE Hell yeah I do. DAKOTA JAMES Well you can always move out. DONNA WADE And leave this house? No way, youre my meal ticket. DAKOTA JAMES How romantic. DONNA WADE Fuck you.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Fuck me? DONNA WADE Yeah, fuck you. Dakota grabs his keys off a table. DONNA WADE Oh and now youre leaving? DAKOTA JAMES Yep. DONNA WADE You dont even want to discuss anything? DAKOTA JAMES Theres nothing to discuss. DONNA WADE But were fighting. DAKOTA JAMES No, youre yelling and I just want to put my shoes on. Dakota walks out of the house, grabs his shoes from the lawn then jumps into his LAMBORGHINI and speeds away. INT. PRIVATE PLANE Dakota is just aimlessly staring out the window on the bands flight to Europe, not engaging in conversation with anyone else. JULES MORGAN Dakota, you alright? DAKOTA JAMES (snaps out of his daze) Yeah, Im fine. JULES MORGAN Youre awfully quiet. Everything OK? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, its justits just Donna, marital shit.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON How can you already have problems, youve only been married for five days? DAKOTA JAMES She gets on me for every little thing I do. I cant win with her. I mean I love her, I friggin love her, but she can be a nagging bitch sometimes. JULES MORGAN So shes a woman? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thats why I dont plan to get married ever. Too much stress. Just give me a girl each month for the sake of variety and a fat joint and Ill be perfectly fine. Skylar lights up a joint, takes a puff then passes it over to Jules. JULES MORGAN Words to live by, amen. FREDDIE MORGAN At least you wont have to deal with her for a while. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thats right. You just have your music and us for the next four months. DAKOTA JAMES (laughs) Oh god, kill me know. JULES MORGAN Oh come on, you love us. Its OK, you can say it. DAKOTA JAMES Fuck off. JULES MORGAN Come on man, just say it.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES No. JULES MORGAN Why not? DAKOTA JAMES Because Im not a pussy. JULES MORGAN Youre not a pussy if you say you another man. FREDDIE MORGAN But you are gay. DAKOTA JAMES Your gay. FREDDIE MORGAN What? DAKOTA JAMES You heard me. JULES MORGAN Ohh guys, lets not start this shit again. DAKOTA JAMES Im not starting anything. FREDDIE MORGAN Because you know Id finish it. DAKOTA JAMES You saying you could kick my ass? FREDDIE MORGAN Im saying I will kick your ass. DAKOTA JAMES Hardly. JULES MORGAN Guys, cool it. Jesus, we cant even bust balls anymore without it turning into a catfight.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Im perfectly cool. FREDDIE MORGAN So am I. JULES MORGAN You guys have to get over your egos. We all have egos but me and Skylar keep ours in check for the greater good. DAKOTA JAMES No ego here. FREDDIE MORGAN None here either. JULES MORGAN Good, shake hands now. Dakota and Freddie share a half-hearted handshake while looking away from each other. SKYLAR PENNINGTON (smiles) I feel a lot of love on this plane right now. EXT. WEMBLEY STADIUM, ENGLAND DAY Helter Skelter is rocking out on stage in front of a packed stadium playing Metallicas Seek and Destroy. DAKOTA JAMES There is no escape and that's for sure This is the end, we won't take anymore Say goodbye to the world you live in You've always been taking and now you're giving Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy Our brains are on fire with a feeling to kill And it won't go away until our dreams are fulfilled There is only one thing on our minds Don't try running away 'cause you're the one we will find Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Running on our way, hiding you will pay Dying one thousand deaths Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy Searching, seek and destroy The group takes an extended bow in front of the massive audience after the song. DAKOTA JAMES Thank you London, rock hard! The band walks off the stage as they wave to the fans. INT. WEMBLEY STADIUM BACKSTAGE ROOM JULES MORGAN Three months in and theres no sign of us slowing down. SKYLAR PENNINGTON What great energy there was out there tonight. JULES MORGAN That mustve been the largest crowd weve ever played in front of. How many people you think were here? DAKOTA JAMES I dont know, 90,000? Maybe even a hundred thousand?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON A hundred thousand? All for us.

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Wow!

FREDDIE MORGAN Its time for me to get some English pussy, I hear those girls like to fuck like jack rabbits. (looks to a roadie) Let them in. With that, the ROADIE walks over to a door and lets in literally dozens of young, screaming female fans who promptly surround the four band members. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Well hello girls. BRITISH GROUPIE So which one of you has charlie? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Whats charlie? JULES MORGAN Its what the British call coke. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Ohh then yes, we all have it. BRITISH GROUPIE Great, lets break it out and do some lines. JULES MORGAN These British chicks certainly are direct. FREDDIE MORGAN I get the feeling that this is going to be a great party. You know what the best thing about being in England is? JULES MORGAN No, what? FREDDIE MORGAN Our girlfriends are 10,000 miles away.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese A girl comes up to Freddie and kisses him without even saying a word. JULES MORGAN Boy, that is great. Another aggressive groupie enters and looks for Dakota in the packed room. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 Wheres that bloke Dakota? I want to fuck the lead singer. Dakota, who has his head down in a pile of cocaine, perks up once he hears his name. DAKOTA JAMES Did someone say my name? BRITISH GROUPIE #2 There you are. The groupie walks right up to Dakota, grabs his shirt, pulls him close to her and makes out with him. DAKOTA JAMES Girl, Im married. FREDDIE MORGAN Never stopped you before. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 I know youre married, I know everything about you. Donnas a lucky lady. DAKOTA JAMES Thanks. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 But Im feeling pretty damn lucky myself tonight. DAKOTA JAMES Oh are you? Yeah. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 We should go somewhere more (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BRITISH GROUPIE #2 (contd) private. Why dont you grab a bottle of Jack Daniels, a handful of charlie and take me into the nearest closet? DAKOTA JAMES How romantic. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 I am a classy lady. The groupie grabs Dakota and leads him out of the room and down the HALLWAY Where shes practically dragging him along to make sure he keeps up with her. DAKOTA JAMES Slow down girl, whats the rush? BRITISH GROUPIE #2 I want you so bad. DAKOTA JAMES And youll get me girl. But we dont need to run out of breath before we even have sex. A ROADIE in the hallway calls out to Dakota. Dakota. BRITISH ROADIE Hey Dakota, hold on.

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Dakota stops running as the roadie approaches. DAKOTA JAMES What is it man? Cant you see Im busy? BRITISH ROADIE I know and I apologize for that. DAKOTA JAMES This better be really fucking important then.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BRITISH ROADIE I think it might be. DAKOTA JAMES OK, so spill it. Talk. BRITISH ROADIE I heard Freddie talking on the phone with your wife before the concert tonight. DAKOTA JAMES What? BRITISH ROADIE Freddie was talking to your wife. DAKOTA JAMES What the fuck would he be doing talking to my wife? BRITISH ROADIE I dont know sir, but I just thought youd like to know. DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) What the fuck? The groupie tugs on Dakotas hand and tries to drag him away. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 Come on Dakota, I want to shag. DAKOTA JAMES No, wait. Dakota just stands there and keeps on thinking until it finally dawns on him that Freddie is fucking his wife. DAKOTA JAMES Motherfucker! That motherfucker!!! Dakota lets go of the groupies hand and runs down the hallway back to the room where everyone was partying. BRITISH ROADIE Fuck Freddie anyways.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BRITISH GROUPIE #2 So are you with the band? BRITISH ROADIE Yeah, I work for them. BRITISH GROUPIE #2 OK, youll do. The groupie grabs his hand and walks him down the hallway. BACKSTAGE ROOM Dakota tears into the crowded room and immediately heads over to Freddie and spears him in the stomach, knocking him over a table and breaking several bottles of Jack and spilling a mountain of coke. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Ohhh man, what are you doing? Youre spilling perfectly good coke, not to mention the whiskey. Ohh, the whiskey! Dakota jumps on top of Freddie and starts beating the shit out of him, alternating between punching him in the face and the stomach. JULES MORGAN Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you doing Dakota? Jules rushes over to try to break them up. DAKOTA JAMES You motherfucking motherfucker, Ill fucking kill you, you asshole. FREDDIE MORGAN What the fuck is your deal? DAKOTA JAMES You going to fuck my wife and make a fuck out of me? You motherfucker?! FREDDIE MORGAN What are you talking about? DAKOTA JAMES Dont make a fuck out of me asshole.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Jules is finally able to pull Dakota off of Freddie with the help of Skylar. JULES MORGAN What the hell is going on here? Dakota and Freddie both stand up and try to regain their composure. Freddie is bleeding from the nose. JULES MORGAN Dakota, what the fuck man? you attack Freddie? Why did

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DAKOTA JAMES Because hes fucking my wife. JULES MORGAN What? DAKOTA JAMES Hes fucking my wife. Jules notices everyone in the crowded room looking at Dakota and Freddie. JULES MORGAN OK, everyone out. Out, out, out. roadies start earning your pay and get these sluts out of here. The roadies help usher everyone out of the room leaving just the four band members behind. DAKOTA JAMES Youre fucking my wife. JULES MORGAN Freddie, is that true? FREDDIE MORGAN No way man. DAKOTA JAMES Bullshit. Someone told me you were on the phone with her today. JULES MORGAN Is this true?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, maybe I was. So what? DAKOTA JAMES Why would you be on the phone with my wife? FREDDIE MORGAN She started calling me. DAKOTA JAMES Why? FREDDIE MORGAN She just needed a friend to talk to. Skylar is in the background on his hands and knees trying to scoop up the cocaine from the ground into his hands. DAKOTA JAMES Why? FREDDIE MORGAN Well its not a secret that your marriage is pretty rocky. So she just wanted someone to talk to that she trusts and that knows you. DAKOTA JAMES You talk to my wife about my marriage? My marriage?!?! FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, its no big deal. No big deal? DAKOTA JAMES No big deal?

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Dakota attacks Freddie again, knocking him to the ground then getting on top to punch him in the face repeatedly. DAKOTA JAMES Tell me your fucking my wife! me youre fucking my wife! Tell

Jules and Skylar try to pull Dakota off of him but its no use, Dakota is like a man possessed.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Tell me you motherfucker! Freddie, tired of getting punched in the face, finally relents. Fine. FREDDIE MORGAN Fine. I am fucking your wife!

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With that Dakota gets off of him and sits on the floor, staring at him in disbelief. DAKOTA JAMES Seriously? FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck yeah. JULES MORGAN How long has this been going on? FREDDIE MORGAN Since their wedding night. DAKOTA JAMES What? FREDDIE MORGAN I fucked your wife on your wedding night. JULES MORGAN Holy shit. DAKOTA JAMES On my wedding night? You sick fuck. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That is pretty deviant. DAKOTA JAMES On my wedding night? FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, in the lobby bathroom of the Hyatt. DAKOTA JAMES Youre all class.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Were you with her when she visited us in Berlin? FREDDIE MORGAN And Prague and Rome. DAKOTA JAMES Asshole. FREDDIE MORGAN Hey man, you say it yourself, its just rock n roll man. Oh come on, dont act like youre so innocent in this. DAKOTA JAMES What do you mean? FREDDIE MORGAN You treat Donna like shit. DAKOTA JAMES Because shes psychotic and this is just more proof of that. FREDDIE MORGAN Arent we all a little fucked in the head due to this crazy world we live in? DAKOTA JAMES Maybe so, but we should live by a certain code, one of those rules within that code is you dont fuck another mans significant other. Random girlfriends and assorted fuck buddies that someone else has had? Fine, thats fair game. But you dont fuck someone elses love. FREDDIE MORGAN And youre going to sit there and say that youve never fucked my girlfriend? DAKOTA JAMES Who, Debbie?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN No, Angelina. DAKOTA JAMES Which ones Angelina? FREDDIE MORGAN She was one of Donnas bridesmaids. DAKOTA JAMES Ohhh. FREDDIE MORGAN You fucked her, didnt you? DAKOTA JAMES I cant remember all the girls Ive fucked. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That doesnt sound like a no. Who knows? DAKOTA JAMES Who cares? FREDDIE MORGAN I do asshole. DAKOTA JAMES You only care because youre trying to deflect shit. Shit that I called you out on. FREDDIE MORGAN I care because I like her. DAKOTA JAMES OK fine, I fucked her. Whats the big deal Freddie, you have several girlfriends I only have one wife. Besides, I only fucked her a few times. FREDDIE MORGAN So that makes it OK? DAKOTA JAMES Its better than the on-going thing you have with my wife.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN When were these few times? DAKOTA JAMES I dont remember, the first time was on my wedding night I think. FREDDIE MORGAN Really? On your wedding night? And youre on my ass about being trashy? (pauses) You know, I knew it, in the back of my mind I knew it. I thought I smelled your nasty Drakkar Noir on her that night when we finally laid down to bed. JULES MORGAN This is some seriously dysfunctional shit going on right now. SKYLAR PENNINGTON That was quite the weddingparty. DAKOTA JAMES Youre an asshole Freddie. FREDDIE MORGAN Youre an asshole. A hush falls over the room for several moments which is finally broken by Jules. JULES MORGAN So where do we go now? Dakota stands up and walks over to a table where he grabs a bottle of Jack Daniels. DAKOTA JAMES Im going home. SKYLAR PENNINGTON But what about the rest of the tour? We have one more month left. Dakota takes a swig from the bottle and walks out of the room with his middle finger raised defiantly in the air.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Bye. After Dakota leaves, the other three band members just sit quietly on the floor. SKYLAR PENNINGTON No seriously, what do we do now? JULES MORGAN Were fucked, were so fucking fucked. TEN YEARS LATER OUTSIDE OF OLATHE, KANSAS INT. ROADHOUSE DIVE BAR Skylar is playing solo in front of a very sparse, quiet crowd in a dirty, disgusting dive bar. Hes doing covers of rock and grunge songs and is towards the end of Nirvanas Heart Shaped Box. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Meat-Eating orchids forgive no one just yet. Cut myself on angel hair and baby's breath. Broken hymen of your highness, I'm left black, Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back... Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Your advice... She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak, I've been locked inside your heart shaped box for weeks. I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap, I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black... (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON (contd) Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Hey, wait, I got a new complaint, Forever in debt to your priceless advice, Your advice, Your advice, Your advice, Your advice... There are only about two or three people in the joint that applaud at the end of the song. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thank you, thank you. Thats my favorite song from Nirvana. Its a damn shame about what happened to Mr. Kurt Cobain. Well, thats my set, I hope everyone enjoyed it. Skylar walks off the stage with his guitar, heads over to the bar and sits down by himself. The bartender promptly delivers him a beer. After a few moments, a BAR PATRON timidly approaches him. TYLER Excuse me. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Yeah? TYLER Im sorry to bother you, I just got here and missed your set, but are you Skylar Pennington? SKYLAR PENNINGTON I am indeed. TYLER Sweet, Im Tyler. (shakes his hand) I was a big fan of Helter Skelter back in the 80s.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thanks man. TYLER Do you mind if I sit with you. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Go ahead, its a free country. Skylar takes out a pack of cigarettes and lights one up. TYLER Hey, can I bum a smoke? SKYLAR PENNINGTON I guess so. Skylar gives him a cigarette. TYLER And a light? Skylar tosses him a book of matches. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Here, keep the book. Theyre the bars anyway. Thanks. band? TYLER So what ever happened to the

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SKYLAR PENNINGTON Ahhh we broke up over stupid shit. TYLER Thats too bad. Total Destruction was so amazing, it sucks that there was never a follow-up to that. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Tell me about it. TYLER So youre doing this now? SKYLAR PENNINGTON You got it, Im just traveling the (MORE)

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON (contd) country playing at roadhouses and dive bars along random interstates. TYLER Why? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Because I love music manand these are the only venues I can book now. TYLER Oh, thats sad. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Tell me about it. Our music and our genre just isnt that popular anymore. Pushed out by grunge and alternative rock. A little weird if you ask me, we were the original alternative before alternative became alternative. TYLER You sound a little bitter for a guy that just covered a Nirvana song. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hey if you cant beat them, join them, right? TYLER Do you guys still keep in touch? SKYLAR PENNINGTON No, not really, we all have our separate lives to live. I havent seen some of them in years. TYLER Its been a while now, do you think you guys will ever get back together? Who? Yeah. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Helter Skelter? TYLER

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Id like to, but who the hell knows if itll ever happen. Its not my decision to make. TYLER Whos is it then? Not mine. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Im just the bassist.

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Skylar turns his attention back to the stage where an OLDER GENTLEMAN begins to play a sad tune on his banjo. EXT. MOTORCYCLE SHOP IN THE VALLEY DAY Dakota is in the garage area of the shop hes employed at working on a motorcycle. The owner comes out looking for him. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER Dakota. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, boss. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER You got someone looking for you up front. DAKOTA JAMES Who is it? MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER How the hell would I know, Im not your fucking secretary. Dakota throws down his rag and stands up. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER Dont forget youre on the clock, so make it quick. DAKOTA JAMES (mockingly) Aye, aye sir.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese INT. MOTORCYCLE SHOP Dakota walks into the shop and is shocked to see Jules standing there. DAKOTA JAMES Jules, what are you doing here? JULES MORGAN I dont know, I guess I was feeling a little bit sentimental, after all yesterday was the ten year anniversary of our first show on tour. DAKOTA JAMES How did you find me? JULES MORGAN I asked around on the Strip, someone told me you were all the way out here working on bikes. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, I figured the Valley would give me peace and quiet. JULES MORGAN Well it looks like you found it. DAKOTA JAMES So do you want to take a walk? JULES MORGAN Are you allowed to leave? DAKOTA JAMES Fuck this place, I can do whatever I want. EXT. ROAD OUTSIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE SHOP DAY The two old friends are walking down a pretty desolate road that has little traffic or other signs of life except for the several auto body shops that line the street. JULES MORGAN So hows everything going?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Its fine man. JULES MORGAN You own that shop? DAKOTA JAMES No, I just work there. I had my own motorcycle shop a few years ago, but it went belly up. I ran out of all my money from the 80s a few years agoit either went up my nose, or to my ex-wife which means it went up her nose or towards bad business ventures. JULES MORGAN I think that happened to all of us. DAKOTA JAMES At least I got temporary satisfaction out of the coke, making business deals flat out sucked. I got fucked repeatedly. Now, the fancy cars are gone. The house in the Hills, gone. I couldnt even take care of the fucking tiger, I had to give it to the San Diego Zoo. JULES MORGAN At least its in a good home now. DAKOTA JAMES You saying I didnt take care of my tiger? JULES MORGAN No, no. DAKOTA JAMES I loved that fuck. JULES MORGAN (changing topics) So youre here now? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, I decided to come over here. Bikes are really the only things I care about these days. That and (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) tattoos, Ive got eight of them now. Theyre like my new crack cocaine. Here, check this out. Dakota lifts up his shirt sleeve to reveal an elaborate skull & bones tattoo. JULES MORGAN Thats cool. DAKOTA JAMES Yeah, its my baby. JULES MORGAN So youre not doing music anymore? DAKOTA JAMES I pick up a guitar every once in a while and play in my apartment and I have a notebook on my nightstand where Ill jot down a lyric every now and again when something good pops into my head, but thats pretty much it. I had a band in the early 90s and another one a few years ago, neither of them took off. I released an album with the first band, it didnt even chart. JULES MORGAN That sucks. DAKOTA JAMES Its a different world we live in now. The worst day of my life was when I woke up and realized that me and my music just werent that cool anymore. JULES MORGAN Maybe its a cyclical thing. You know, give it some more time and maybe our music will be popular again. You know how fickle people are. DAKOTA JAMES I wouldnt hold your breath on that one.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese The guys continue walking for a little bit in silence. JULES MORGAN Jeez, how long has it been since weve each other? Five, six years? DAKOTA JAMES Something like that. JULES MORGAN Why did you stop talking to me? I never did anything to you. Why did you take out your hatred of my brother on me? DAKOTA JAMES I didnt and Im not. JULES MORGAN So why dont you talk to me? DAKOTA JAMES I guess I just wanted to get away from everything. Leave Helter Skelter in the past. JULES MORGAN I know a lot of things happened, a lot of negative things because of the band but regardless, we had a good thing going, a really good thing. DAKOTA JAMES We did, but thats over now. The guys continue walking for a little bit in silence again. JULES MORGAN Freddies in rehab now. DAKOTA JAMES Good he deserves it. JULES MORGAN Come on Dakota, a lot of things that happened are ancient history now.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Not to me they arent. For all I care Freddie can rot in hell. JULES MORGAN Thats not cool. DAKOTA JAMES Its the truth though. Not that I care but what was the thing that finally put him over the edge and into rehab? JULES MORGAN Theres been a lot of things. Our new band has been struggling over the last few years, we cant seem to break out beyond being a house band on the Strip. Its been tough making ends meet. Freddies been going through a succession of wives and girlfriends. He started doing a lot of heroin to cope. DAKOTA JAMES We all did a lot of heroin back in the day, why is it any different now? JULES MORGAN Its really bad now. He shoots up right when he wakes in the morning and he shoots up right before he falls asleep at night. Thats when hes not on a multi-day bender. DAKOTA JAMES I get it, we all have problems. JULES MORGAN He ODed a couple of months ago. I found him passed out on our bathroom floor with a needle stuck in between his toes. Can you believe that? The idiot had to start shooting up between his toes because he ran out of good veins in his arms.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Some people can handle their shit, some people cant. I guess Freddie cant. No surprise there, hes always been a pussy. The guys continue walking again in silence for a little bit. JULES MORGAN You know, itd mean a lot to him if you gave him a call or visited him after he gets released from his rehab facility. DAKOTA JAMES (doubtingly) He said that to you? JULES MORGAN Well, no. But hes my brother, I know him better than he knows himself and I can assure you that hed really appreciate a visit. DAKOTA JAMES No. JULES MORGAN Come on, hasnt enough time passed that we can put this beef behind us? DAKOTA JAMES Ill never forgive him for what he did. JULES MORGAN But Dakota Dakota and Jules stops walking. DAKOTA JAMES (interrupts) No Jules. Look, I appreciate you stopping by and I consider you a friend and I consider Skylar a friend and I wouldnt mind if we grabbed a beer from time to time either. But Freddie? He can certainly go fuck himself.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Dakota walks away as Jules continues just standing there. INT. REHAB FACILITY Freddie is sitting in a plain, sparsely decorated room with his female PSYCHIATRIST. PSYCHIATRIST So Freddie, how are you feeling this morning? FREDDIE MORGAN Im OK. Id feel a lot better if I had some drugs. Just as a pick-me-up. PSYCHIATRIST Freddie, making jokes and making light of your situation will not help you. Only you can help yourself out of your predicament. FREDDIE MORGAN Oh, you thought I was kidding? No, I was serious. Seriously, I could use some drugs to make myself feel better. Its been two months since Ive indulged in the sweet, sweet awesomeness that is heroin. PSYCHIATRIST Id like you to take your mind off of drugs for a moment and concentrate on more positive things in your life. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, like what? You tell me. life? PSYCHIATRIST What makes you happy in

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FREDDIE MORGAN I dont know, not much lately. PSYCHIATRIST What about music? Youre a musician right?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN No, Im a rock star. Musicians play at Carnegie Hall, rock stars play at Madison Square Garden. OK. PSYCHIATRIST So does music make you happy?

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FREDDIE MORGAN I dont know anymore. PSYCHIATRIST Why not? FREDDIE MORGAN Because its not just about the music anymore. PSYCHIATRIST What do you mean? FREDDIE MORGAN Theres so much drama now, what with the girls, the money, the drugs. And its totally a business now. If youre not kicking ass on your album sales, especially in your first week, then youre screwed. Forget about getting booked into top venues and now if you have a shitty album your label will probably drop you. Theres no nurturing of talent anymore like there was in the 70s and 80s. Its all about the almighty dollar now. I wish I could go back to the days of when I was just jamming in my parents basement during high school. Those were good days, when it was just about the music. PSYCHIATRIST You sound like a socialist. FREDDIE MORGAN Well gee fuck, maybe Karl Marx was on to something. PSYCHIATRIST So why do you do drugs?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Oh, I dont know. I guess the reasons why I do them now are probably different than the reasons why I started doing them years ago. PSYCHIATRIST How so? FREDDIE MORGAN Well when I started doing them, it was more for purely recreational reasons. I was bored, I was looking to relax, I was looking for something to do with my friends. Then as I started getting successful in my craft, it was more of a stress reliever and a way to get through the long days and nights. It was a grueling schedule, especially when we were on tour. Also it was a way to continue the natural high you felt from performing in front of thousands of fans after the arena lights went out. And, quite frankly, I did drugs because thats what rock stars do. I was so enamored with the rock n roll lifestyle and I wanted to live it to the fullest. We all did. PSYCHIATRIST Now why do you do drugs? FREDDIE MORGAN For a couple reasons, one because the only thing more stressful than keeping up success is trying to re-build it. You can put your blood, sweat and tears into something but its depressing as fuck if the people reject it or downright hate it. It hurts, and sometimes you just need to ease the pain. PSYCHIATRIST And the second reason? FREDDIE MORGAN I guess to fill a void.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese PSYCHIATRIST What do you mean? FREDDIE MORGAN Do you know how awesome it feels to perform in front of 20,000 adoring fans rocking hard who hang on your every word, who love you unconditionally, who scream in ecstasy at the mere sight of you, who will hook up with you at the drop of a hator a pair of panties in my case. PSYCHIATRIST No I dont. FREDDIE MORGAN Well I do and I can tell you its absolutely exhilarating and its damn near impossible to replicate that feeling, that awesome feeling. That extreme high. But when youre not in the scene anymore, you miss it, you miss it really bad, you want to feel that euphoria all the time, so in the absence of being able to still enjoy the real sensation, you manufacture that feeling through drug use. PSYCHIATRIST Interesting. FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, its really as simple as replacing a real high with an artificial high. That and I really do like drugs. Honestly. PSYCHIATRIST OK, lets shift topics. How about the relationships in your life? What are some of the healthy relationships you have? FREDDIE MORGAN I dont have any.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese PSYCHIATRIST You must have some. FREDDIE MORGAN Not really. PSYCHIATRIST Parents? FREDDIE MORGAN Both are deceased now. PSYCHIATRIST Sorry to hear that, well come back to that a little later. How about a significant other, a wife, a girlfriend? FFEDDIE MORGAN No. Im twice divorced. Both of them ended very badly. They were both whores though. PSYCHIATRIST Lets try to avoid using negative words like that. FREDDIE MORGAN But they were. Do you want the truth or not? PSYCHIATRIST Ill take the filtered version of the truth from now on. So no girlfriend? FREDDIE MORGAN You know I got my line-up of ladies but nothing serious. Why? Do you want to be added to the list? (looks her up and down) Youre pretty sexyfor a psychiatrist. I bet you look like a stone cold fox if you took those awful glasses off. PSYCHIATRIST While I appreciate your comments, I think, lets stay on topic. Were talking about you, not me.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Ohh but I am talking about me. You want to know what makes me happy? I imagine a half an hour with you naked will make me pretty happy. Mr. Morgan! PSYCHIATRIST Please stop!

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FREDDIE MORGAN (laughs) OK, Im just messing with you, a little. PSYCHIATRIST What about siblings? FREDDIE MORGAN Im not interested in fucking a sibling. PSYCHIATRIST No, I mean do you have any. FREDDIE MORGAN I have a brother. PSYCHIATRIST Are you close to him? FREDDIE MORGAN Id say we are, we do fight a lot but thats what brothers do. We are in a band together. Were called The Morgan Brothers. You might recognize us if youve ever been to The Roxy on a weeknight. PSYCHIATRIST Sorry I dont hang out at clubs. FREDDIE MORGAN You really should start. A lot of good looking people there. You could probably find yourself a nice guy at a place like Roxys.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese PSYCHIATRIST Thank you for looking out for me, but again, focus please. Do you have a good relationship with your brother? FREDDIE MORGAN I suppose I do although I make it tough to love me. I mean, he puts up with all my shit, and I do a lot of stupid shit, but hes always there for me. PSYCHIATRIST Thats good. When you say you do stupid things, what do you do? FREDDIE MORGAN You name it, Ive done it. I cant remember everything because, honestly, the last twenty years have been a blur. But I do know that Ive hurt people that have been close to me in the past. PSYCHIATRIST Who do you think youve hurt the most in your life? FREDDIE MORGAN (thinking) Probably my old friend Dakota, we were in a band together, we were big too, huge. We were selling out large stadiums, not just here in America but Europe too. We were getting tens of thousands of people to our shows. Our one and only album was #1. We were nominated for three Grammys. Then I fucked it all up. PSYCHIATRIST What did you do? FREDDIE MORGAN It doesnt matter, it was a long time ago, but lets just say I had a problem with keeping my dick in my pants and fucking chicks I shouldnt be fucking. Oh, pardon my French.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese PSYCHIATRIST Thats all right. Do you still talk to this friend? FREDDIE MORGAN No, not since he found out I fucked his wife, that was ten years ago. PSYCHIATRIST Thats a long time. FREDDIE MORGAN It is. PSYCHIATRIST Do you think you guys will ever reconcile? FREDDIE MORGAN (thinking) I dont know. Hes hard headed and stubborn. I dont expect him accepting my apology any time soon. PSYCHIATRIST Would you apologize to him? FREDDIE MORGAN Probably. Look, I know Im an asshole and I do assholey things. Im at least self aware enough to know this. So sure Id apologize. PSYCHIATRIST And beyond an apology, would you be willing to fully reconcile with him. FREDDIE MORGAN (thinking) Yes. Life was a hell of a lot better with him around than without him around. Its like Cinderella used to sing, dont know what you got, till its gone. PSYCHIATRIST (confused) Interesting. I dont remember that (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese PSYCHIATRIST (contd) line in the movie and I saw it about 20 times when I was a child. FREDDIE MORGAN (incredulously) Youre fucking kidding me, right? Cinderella, the band. PSYCHIATRIST Im not familiar with them. FREDDIE MORGAN (shaking his head) Jesus Christ. Theres a KNOCK at the door and the PSYCHIATRISTS ASSISTANT walks in. PSYCHIATRISTS ASSISTANT Sorry to bother you, but you have an important call that you should take. PSYCHIATRIST OK, thanks. (looks at Freddie) Im so sorry but will you excuse me for a moment? FREDDIE MORGAN Take your time. Ive got no place to gobecause Im stuck here in this psycho ward. PSYCHIATRIST Im excited, I feel like were really making some great progress. The psychiatrist gets up and walks out of the room leaving Freddie by himself. Antsy, Freddie starts tapping his foot on the floor then looks around aimlessly. He eyes the window behind him and decides then and there to flee. He gets up, opens the window and jumps down from the second floor.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese EXT. REHAB FACILITY, YARD - DAY Freddie runs across the expansive yard with a big smile on his face and heads over to a ten foot fence that surrounds the perimeter of the facility. Once at the fence, he quickly scales it and jumps to freedom on the other side. INT. JULES & FREDDIES NEW MODEST APARTMENT FREDDIES BEDROOM Freddie is sitting on the bedroom floor with his drug paraphernalia laid out in front of him, included in his stash are multiple needles. He carefully examines his feet then picks up a heroin needle and shoots up in a spot between his toes. After finishing off the needle, Freddie tilts his head back against the bed, looks up at the ceiling and closes his eyes to enjoy the rush. LATER ON LIVING ROOM Jules opens his front door and walks into the apartment. JULES MORGAN (to himself) Huh, I dont remember leaving the front door unlocked when I left this morning. Jules walks over to the KITCHEN And puts his stack of mail on the table which he quickly looks through. JULES MORGAN Bill, bill, bill. OK, I get it. Fuck you creditors. Next he enters the

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese HALLWAY Where he walks past Freddies bedroom, which has its door open. Jules abruptly stops a couple steps past Freddies room when he realizes that he just saw something out of the corner of his eye. JULES MORGAN (yells) What the fuck? Jules rushes into FREDDIES BEDROOM Where he sees Freddie passed out on the floor, convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Jules gets down on the floor and checks his pulse. JULES MORGAN Oh no, oh no, not again. You stupid fuck! What are you doing here? Youre supposed to be in rehab! God damn it! God damn you! Jules jumps up again and runs back into the hallway so he can call for help. JULES MORGAN (O.S.) Yes, I need an ambulance right away. Its a drug overdose. Heroin I assume. INT. CARNEYS RESTAURANT TRAIN, SUNSET STRIP Freddie and Jules are sitting at a table eating chili dogs and drinking sodas. Freddie looks depressed and sickly. JULES MORGAN Whats wrong man? FREDDIE MORGAN This sucks.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN What are you talking about? Carneys is awesome. I love their hot dogs, theyre great. FREDDIE MORGAN Im not talking about the food, Im talking about life. JULES MORGAN Hey, youre alive, arent you? FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah. JULES MORGAN So it cant be all that bad. FREDDIE MORGAN You want to bet? How do people expect me to be sober? Whats the point? JULES MORGAN I dont know, to get healthier? FREDDIE MORGAN Why do I need to get healthier? JULES MORGAN To live? FREDDIE MORGAN Im not living if Im not on a stage entertaining tens of thousands of fans screaming my name. JULES MORGAN Youve got to cheer up my man. God gave you a gift. You know the doctors said that your last OD wouldve killed most men? FREDDIE MORGAN Ive always said I was immortal, now I guess I have proof. (takes another bite of his hot dog) This is a good chili dog though, you werent lying.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN I told you. FREDDIE MORGAN How come weve never come here before? JULES MORGAN I dont think we ever knew that this train car plopped in the middle of the Strip actually served food. I only found out a few months ago. FREDDIE MORGAN So why did we come now? JULES MORGAN Because its safe. FREDDIE MORGAN Its safe? JULES MORGAN Yeah, look around. Its just hot dogs, hamburgers and milkshakes; hardly the kind of vices that are going to tempt you into a relapse. This is probably the only safe place for you on the Strip. FREDDIE MORGAN Jules, I can control my urges. JULES MORGAN No you cant. FREDDIE MORGAN Youre right, I could hardly make it through that line without calling bullshit on myself. JULES MORGAN At least youre self-aware enough to realize that. FREDDIE MORGAN I always have been. (pauses) Thank you Jules.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN For what? FREDDIE MORGAN For putting up with an asshole like me. JULES MORGAN I kind of have to, you are my brother. FREDDIE MORGAN True, but you couldve just told me to go fuck myself on numerous occasions. God knows I probably wouldve done that if I were you. JULES MORGAN No you wouldnt. FREDDIE MORGAN How are you so sure about that? JULES MORGAN Because blood is thicker than water. FREDDIE MORGAN True. Freddie does a mock cheer with his soda. JULES MORGAN Ive got a little surprise for you Freddie. FREDDIE MORGAN (curiously) Oh yeah, what is it? JULES MORGAN (looks at his watch) He should be here any minute now. FREDDIE MORGAN Its a he? Hmmm, I would like it a lot more if it was a she, but call me curious. The two Morgan brothers sit there quietly eating their lunch for the next few moments.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Suddenly, Skylar enters the restaurant and immediately looks around trying to find Freddie and Jules. He finally spots Jules, who waves him over to their table. JULES MORGAN And here he is now. Freddie turns around in his seat to see who it is just as Skylar approaches the table. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Hey, there he is! Freddie gives him a warm handshake as Skylar takes a seat at the table. FREDDIE MORGAN Skylar, what the hell are you doing here?!? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Jules called me. So I jumped on a flight after my last gig in Iowa and came back home. FREDDIE MORGAN Why did Jules call you? SKYLAR PENNINGTON He thought you could use another friend. FREDDIE MORGAN Guys, Im fine. JULES MORGAN We know you are. But we still didnt think itd hurt to have some friends around you. SKYLAR PENNINGTON (jokingly) Hey man, do you have any heroin? could use a hit. JULES MORGAN Skylar, dont be a dick.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN No, thats OK. I can take the hazing, I deserve it. I actually dont have any heroin on me anymore. My brother ransacked our apartment and crushed all my needles and flushed my drugs down the toilet. I had an emergency stash hidden behind a kitchen cabinet and the fucker even found that. So no, I dont have any heroin; my life is all about chili dogs and diet cokes now. SKYLAR PENNINGTON How long have you been sober now? FREDDIE MORGAN Three weeks, three long weeks. SKYLAR PENNINGTON How are you doing? FREDDIE MORGAN Im OK. I wish it wasnt such a daily struggle though. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I hear you. Thats why I moved exclusively over to pot a few years ago and away from all those hard drugs. Hard drugs are bad. Now I feel great. JULES MORGAN And you look good too. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Well thank you very much, you look fly too. FREDDIE MORGAN So how are you doing Skylar? Im OK. Oh yeah? do that? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Just trying to make ends meet. FREDDIE MORGAN And how are you trying to

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Touring the country as a one-man band. FREDDIE MORGAN Thats cool. SKYLAR PENNINGTON It sounds cool, it just actually isnt that cool. You should see the shitholes I play in. You should see the towns I play in. Half of them Ive never even heard of. Olathe, Kansas? Paducah, Kentucky? Joplin, Missouri? What the hell are these places? You know there is a good reason why no ones ever heard of these towns before. JULES MORGAN I can imagine. SKYLAR PENNINGTON On a good night, Ill play in front of a couple hundred people at a roadhouse. On an average night, Ill play in front of 50 or so. On a bad night, take that number and divide it by 10. FREDDIE MORGAN It almost doesnt sound worth it. SKYLAR PENNINGTON It almost isnt, but I love music, I get to see the country, and I limit my expenses by traveling around in my station wagon. FREDDIE MORGAN So what do you play? SKYLAR PENNINGTON I only play a couple of our songs, Im trying to be more mainstream so I do classic rock, heavy music, alternative rock, grunge FREDDIE MORGAN (interrupts) Fuck that shit.

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Grunge?

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON Its what the kids want though. FREDDIE MORGAN The kids are stupid then. JULES MORGAN No denying that. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Maybe but I need the money so Ill play what people want to listen to. FREDDIE MORGAN Wheres your integrity? Id never sacrifice my musical integrity just to placate the masses. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Integrity doesnt allow me to buy a chili dog hereor a milkshake. FREDDIE MORGAN Look, I understand that you have to do what you have to do, but Suddenly, Freddie is startled by someone hitting him on his shoulder from behind with a rolled up magazine. FREDDIE MORGAN What the fuck?!? Freddie gets up in a huff and turns around to see Dakota standing there. FREDDIE MORGAN (shocked) Dakota? DAKOTA JAMES Hello Freddie. FREDDIE MORGAN What are you doing here? DAKOTA JAMES Jules called me.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN OK, but what are you doing here? DAKOTA JAMES What do you mean? FREDDIE MORGAN Id expect itd take a lot more than just Jules calling you to get you out to see me. DAKOTA JAMES What? Almost dying isnt a good enough reason either. FREDDIE MORGAN Frankly, Id assume youd need an even better reason than that to see me. Like needing to identify my body or something like that. DAKOTA JAMES (laughs) Please, thats what you have Jules for. FREDDIE MORGAN Good point. DAKOTA JAMES But youre right. Quite honestly, I did need a bigger reason for seeing you than just the overdose. FREDDIE MORGAN And what is that? Dakota tosses his Rolling Stone magazine, which he used to hit Freddie on the shoulder, into the middle of the table, as he grabs a seat. DAKOTA JAMES This. The cover of the magazine features an article called One Album Wonders with a Where Are They Now subtitle. SKYLAR PENNINGTON One Album Wonders.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Guess whos featured prominently in the article? SKYLAR PENNINGTON Where are they now? How the hell were they even able to find me? DAKOTA JAMES Apparently a Rolling Stone reporter saw you play on the Jersey Shore. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Ohh, that was a good show. There were about 75 people in the house, nice crowd. JULES MORGAN So what did they say about us? DAKOTA JAMES Ill let you guys read it for yourself, but without spoiling it, I think its safe to say that with a title of One Album Wonders the coverage isnt exactly flattering. Jules picks up the magazine and starts flipping through it. FREDDIE MORGAN So you came here because of a negative article written about us ten years after we broke up? We had a ton of bad articles written about us when we were playing back in the day. How we were the devil reincarnated, how we were corrupting American youth, how we were misogynists. And you never cared about that before, so why do you care now when some third-rate writer looking for newsstand sales calls us One Album Wonders? DAKOTA JAMES Because this time its the truth. And, more importantly, theyre shitting on our legacy. Its one thing to say we were devil worshippers, its an (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) entirely different thing to say were not relevant. FREDDIE MORGAN Why do you care? Helter Skelter was a long time ago, to some of us it was a lifetime ago. DAKOTA JAMES I dont want a whole generation of kids coming of age right now thinking were a bunch of bitches. Jules interjects after reading some of the magazine article. JULES MORGAN Ahhh man, theyre brutal in here. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I thought Rolling Stone were our friends? FREDDIE MORGAN The only friends they have are named Johnson, Grant, Lincoln and Chase. Skylar looks confused so Jules explains it to him. JULES MORGAN (whispers) He means money. Theyre the faces on the different bills. Skylar takes out his wallet and looks in it but only finds a few one dollar bills. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Ohhh. I only see Washington in my wallet, thats probably why I didnt know. DAKOTA JAMES See they think theyll make money by shitting on us. Thats embarrassing. Jules reads part of the article out loud.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Ugh, Helter Skelter fell to the bottom of the musical barrel just as quickly as they rose to the top of the world when the four band members let the world of drugs, sex and alcohol engulf them and go to their over bloated heads. Unable to handle their newfound success, these seemingly all-American boys saw their outsized egos get the better of them which helped the band destroy itself from within. Dakota, Freddie, Jules and Skylar are still alive, we think, however no one really knows where they are or what theyre doing. But that didnt stop our great investigative reporting team to search long and hard for the answers to these questions that no one is actually asking. And even if they ever did get back together, the thought of them launching a successful second album or even a reunion tour at this point is pretty laughable since their music isnt exactly in style for the life and times of the mid-90s. Besides there are plenty of other better bands out there for your listening pleasure. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck Rolling Stone. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Just for that, Im going to Tower Records later and stealing all their Rolling Stones then making a bonfire in my parents backyard tonight. JULES MORGAN Theres more. FREDDIE MORGAN I think I get the point. DAKOTA JAMES See, is this really what we want our legacy to be?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Not at all, but thats the hand weve been dealt in life. DAKOTA JAMES It doesnt have to be. The table goes quiet for a few moments. FREDDIE MORGAN What are you trying to say? DAKOTA JAMES I think its about time we show the world what Helter Skelter is all about again. I think its about time to show the world how to rock hard again. FREDDIE MORGAN You want to get the band back together? DAKOTA JAMES Id do it. FREDDIE MORGAN Really? DAKOTA JAMES Yeah. FREDDIE MORGAN Weve gone through a lot of shit though. DAKOTA JAMES We have. FREDDIE MORGAN And a lot of it was my fault. DAKOTA JAMES Ill take my fair share of blame too. Look you did a lot of stupid shit, I did a lot of stupid shit, but I think we should put all of that behind us for the sake of Helter Skelter. One of our problems ten years ago was that we forgot to follow one of our core guiding principles.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTIN Which principle was that? DAKOTA JAMES The band should always come first. JULES MORGAN Thats right. FREDDIE MORGAN So are you apologizing for the sucker punches and beating the shit out of me? DAKOTA JAMES If it means that we get the band back together, sureand only if you apologize for being an asshole. FREDDIE MORGAN (thinking) I can agree to that. Freddie extends his hand across the table for a handshake. FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) I apologize for being an asshole. Dakota shakes his hand after a dramatic moment of silence. DAKOTA JAMES And Im sorry for beating the shit out of you. FREDDIE MORGAN But not sucker punching me? DAKOTA JAMES (smiles) Thats one mans opinion. I didnt see it as a sucker punch, I came at you fair and square. Freddie Morgan thinks for a moment then laughs and shakes Dakotas hand again. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck it, its cool. Water under the bridge my man. I mean that.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN What a great turn of events. SKYLAR PENNINGTON (jokingly) Yeah, Freddie you should almost die of a heroin overdose more often, it seems to bring us together. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck you Skylar. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Just kidding bro. FREDDIE MORGAN He brings up a good point though. If we get back together, how the hell will I ever expect to remain sober? It is rock n roll, theres temptation in each city and around every corner in each city. DAKOTA JAMES Well help you. FREDDIE MORGAN How will you do that? DAKOTA JAMES Ill get on the wagon too. FREDDIE MORGAN Really? DAKOTA JAMES Sure. I think Ive partied enough for ten lifetimes anyways. JULES MORGAN Ill go sober too. FREDDIE MORGAN Guys, you dont have to do this. DAKOTA JAMES If it makes for a better band, Ill do whatever it takes.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON And Ill continue to just stick to pot. Sorry, thats the best I can do. FREDDIE MORGAN I hear you Skylarand I appreciate that. JULES MORGAN Were here for you Freddie. FREDDIE MORGAN Thanks guys. DAKOTA JAMES Whatever it takes to rock hard. JULES MORGAN Its all well and good that we want to get the band back together but its not that easy. Its not 1987 anymore, we just cant walk into the Forum and play for 20,000 people tomorrow. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Thats a good point. DAKOTA JAMES Dont worry I have an idea. are in a band, right? JULES MORGAN Yeah, The Morgan Brothers. DAKOTA JAMES And you play on the Strip. JULES MORGAN Yeah, were sort of like the house band on some nights at the Roxy. Mainly Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights but that can change week to week. DAKOTA JAMES So whens your next show? JULES MORGAN Next Tuesday night. You guys

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Great, no better place than the Strip to announce our triumphant return. FREDDIE MORGAN Where it all started. DAKOTA JAMES You know it. SKYLAR PENNINGTON So were just going to crash their set? DAKOTA JAMES No, were going to make an entrance. Or in this case, a re-entrance. SKYLAR PENNINGTON I dont follow. DAKOTA JAMES You will. Dakota flashes a devilish smile as he grabs Skylars half eaten chili dog and finishes it off himself. EXT. MOTORCYCLE SHOP IN THE VALLEY DAY Dakota walks out of the shop and over to the garage area so he can continue working on a bike. However, hes closely followed by the shop owner whos yelling at him for being late. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER Youre ten minutes late again Dakota. Who do you think you are? Youre not the boss, Im the boss! Dakota ignores him and picks up a wrench to fix the bike, but the owner keeps riding him. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER You better start showing me some respect or youll quickly find yourself out on your ass. You hear me?!?

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Dakota finally has had enough so he throws his wrench down, stands up and starts walking away quietly. MOTORCYCLE SHOP OWNER Hey, where do you think youre going? Who the fuck do you think you are? Dakota stops and turns to the owner. DAKOTA JAMES Im a rock star. Dakota throws a rag at him then turns back around and continues walking towards his own motorcycle with his middle finger held defiantly in the air. He jumps on his bike, revs the engine and peels out down the road as the shop owner helplessly looks on. INT. ROXY THEATRE ON STAGE The Morgan Brothers are performing in front of a halffilled crowd of mostly uninterested people who are waiting for the higher-billed bands to come out. Theyre performing Motley Crues Girls, Girls, Girls. FREDDIE MORGAN Have you read the news In the Soho Tribune? Ya know she did me Well, then she broke my heart Im such a good good boy I just need a new toy I tell ya what, girl, dance for me I'll keep you overemployed Just tell me a story, you know the one I mean Crazy Horse, Paris, France Forgot the names, remember romance I got those photos of menage a trois Musta broke those Frenchies' laws with those Girls, girls, girls Body Shop and the Marble Arch Girls, girls, girls (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN (contd) Tropicanas where I lost my heart Girls, girls, girls Girls, girls, girls Girls, girls, girls Girls, girls, girls Girls, girls, girls Girls, girls, girls The crowd gives only polite applause after the song. FREDDIE MORGAN OK, thank you. Lets be honest, I know most of you are here for the next band and the band after them, and theres nothing we can do about that except to end our set with a kickass explosion of awesomeness, which I think we can do. (pauses) 1,2,1,2,3 (pauses) Yeah yeah Rat-tailed Jimmy he's a second hand hood Deals out in Hollywood Got a '65 Chevy, primered flames Traded for some powdered goods Jigsaw Jimmy he's runnin' a gang But I hear he's doin' o.k. Got a cozy little job through the Mexican mob Packages the candycaine He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood He's the one that makes ya feel all right He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood Cops on the corner always ignore Somebody's getting paid Jimmy's got it wired, law's for hire Got it made in the shade Got a little hideaway, does business all day But at night he'll always be found Sellin' sugar to the sweet People on the street Call this Jimmy's town

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese Suddenly Dakota and Skylar jump onto the stage from behind the curtain and immediately join the song. The crowd goes crazy and rushes the stage upon seeing the four members of Helter Skelter together on the stage again since theyve been such a part of Sunset Strips musical history. FREDDIE MORGAN & DAKOTA JAMES He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood He's the one that makes ya feel all right He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood He's gonna be your Frankenstein I've got one thing you'll understand (Dr. Feelgood) He's not what you'd call a glamorous man (Dr. Feelgood) Got one thing that's easily understood (Dr. Feelgood) He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood Oh yeah He'll tell you he's the king Of thes barrio streets Moving up to shangri-la Came by his wealth as a matter of luck Says he never broke no law Two time loser running out of juice Time to move out quick Heard a rumour going round Jimmy's going down This time it's gonna stick He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood He's the one that makes ya feel all right He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood He's gonna be your Frankenstein Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand (Dr. Feelgood) Some people call him an evil man (Dr. Feelgood) Let him introduce himself real good (Dr. Feelgood) He's the only one they call Feelgood Guitar! I've got one thing you'll understand (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN & DAKOTA JAMES (contd) (Dr. Feelgood) He's not what you'd call a glamorous man (Dr. Feelgood) Got one thing that's easily understood (Dr. Feelgood) He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood Dr. Feelgood (Dr. Feelgood) Dr. Feelgood (Dr. Feelgood) Dr. Feelgood (Dr. Feelgood) At the end of the song, Dakota winds up his guitar and smashes it through the drum set that has The Morgan Brothers emblazoned across on it. DAKOTA JAMES Thank you Roxy! Helter Skelters back! FREDDIE MORGAN And were going to be better than ever! Skylar walks to the front of the stage and rips his vest open to reveal that hes wearing an old Helter Skelter tshirt. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Rock hard, Roxy! The crowd gives them an extended ovation as the band members soak up every moment. CROWD (chanting) Helter Skelter! Helter Skelter! Helter Skelter! BACKSTAGE The club manager walks into the backstage area where the four band members are relaxing by drinking Jamba Juice and eating salad, a stark contrast from their post-show antics during their wilder days. ROXY CLUB MANAGER (applauding) Bravo gentlemen, bravo.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES Well look who it is, if it isnt Mr. club manager. Long time no see. The manager shakes Dakotas hand. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Dakota, I never thought Id see you again. DAKOTA JAMES You think I was going to let Rolling Stone say those things about us without trying to do something about it? ROXY CLUB MANAGER Oh boy, I read the article. It was harsh and unfair. You guys will always be stars around here. Im glad youre giving them the middle finger. DAKOTA JAMES Would you expect anything less from us? Were fighters. We fight for our music because we believe in it, its in our blood. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Ill tell you, you guys were electric out there tonight. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You think so? Absolutely. ROXY CLUB MANAGER The crowd loved you guys.

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JULES MORGAN I felt the energy, it was awesome. Thats where we want to get back to. DAKOTA JAMES Each and every night. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Good, because I want you guys to come back on Friday.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Friday? Nice. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Not just that. Im going to give you guys top billing. Its going to great, Helter Skelter back on the Strip! First show in ten years! Im going to sell this place out in an hour once I get your name up on the marquee, maybe even minutes. I want you to do two sets that night. Then I want you to come back and do it all over again on Saturday night. FREDDIE MORGAN Were in. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Im going to invite some labels in too, have them see you in person, see that youre back. DAKOTA JAMES Just the cool labels though, not the money grubbing sellouts that wouldnt know good music if it came up and bit them on the dick. Just the guys that know and respect the music, the purists. ROXY CLUB MANAGER You got it. Do you need anything back here? I can wrangle up some women, some drinks (wipes his nose) some flake. Whatever you guys want. JULES MORGAN Were all set. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Really? Thats not the Helter Skelter I remember. You guys used to have more women than a brothel in here and youd put Tony Montana to shame with the mountains of coke that youd break out.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese JULES MORGAN Things have changed. Weve grown up. Thats not what were about anymore. DAKOTA JAMES Now were just all about the music. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Really? FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, and I got to say its quite refreshing. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Cool, so Ill just leave you guys alone then? FREDDIE MORGAN Actually, theres one thing you can do for us. ROXY CLUB MANAGER Sure, anything, you name it. Freddie flips over his bowl to show that its empty. FREDDIE MORGAN Can you find us more salad please? EXT. HOUSE OF BLUES, SUNSET STRIP NIGHT PARKING LOT The four band members are loading up their own equipment into Skylars STATION WAGON after another gig. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You guys all made fun of me for my station wagon, but what did I tell you? I told you itd come in handy. Jules lifts up one of his drum set containers and struggles to get it into the trunk. JULES MORGAN I hope we make it big just so we can get ourselves some roadies again.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN I hear that, Im not used to all this manual labor. JULES MORGAN And youre still not. Bitch please, try lugging this drum set around, I swear it weighs like 200 pounds. FREDDIE MORGAN Fuck you, I have my amplifiers to carry. that shit aint light you know. DAKOTA JAMES Bickering like two little women, just like old times. You guys dont know anything about manual labor until youve gotten your hands dirty fixing Hogs. JULES MORGAN Hey were brothers, thats what we do. DAKOTA JAMES I wouldnt know, Im an only child. FREDDIE MORGAN Thank god because I cant imagine another Dakota James running around this world. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Or Dakotete James. DAKOTA JAMES Just the thought of that is scary, Ill even admit that. JULES MORGAN Dakota, you think youll ever settle down and have kids? DAKOTA JAMES Settle down? Probably. Have kids? Maybe, but who knows. Its not up to me, its in Gods hands.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Whoa, since when did you become religious? DAKOTA JAMES I prefer to think of myself as spiritual, not religious. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Like theres a difference. DAKOTA JAMES Ohh but there is. I believe in God, I just dont think any one religion has figured it out yet. JULES MORGAN Far cry from the 80s when you were an unabashed atheist. DAKOTA JAMES What can I say? Ive evolved. SKYLAR PENNINGTON So youre some kind of born again freak? DAKOTA JAMES Something like that. Just as Dakota closes the trunk, the guys see their old label executive, Darren Swindell, walking towards them. JULES MORGAN Darren?!? DARREN SWINDELL (smiles) Hello boys. Its been a long time, hasnt it? Darren shakes the hand of each band member. It has. JULES MORGAN Did you see our show?

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DARREN SWINDELL I most certainly did.

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese SKYLAR PENNINGTON What did you think? DARREN SWINDELL Well, to be honest, I dont see you guys as rock stars anymore. Darrens words take the wind out of the guys. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You dont? DARREN SWINDELL I see you as superstars now, you have a great mix of heavy rock, metal, light rock that I find very appealing. You arent pissing on your roots but youre incorporating some slightly new sounds. I like that and I have just the plan to get you guys back in the limelight. SKYLAR PENNINGTON You do? Darren smiles and takes a satisfying puff from his cigar. DARREN SWINDELL Oh, I do. SKYLAR PENNINGTON (awkwardly) Great. DARREN SWINDELL Why dont you follow me and Ill tell you all about it at dinner. DAKOTA JAMES (skeptically) I dont know, we were just about to grab some Chinese takeout. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Probably share some General Tsos. Darren walks over to his MASERATI as the other guys continue standing there.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL Forget that. Come with me and Ill explain how Im going to get you all on top. DAKOTA JAMES (thinking) You still at Geffen? DARREN SWINDELL You betchaoh and dinner is my treat. DAKOTA JAMES Well alright then, good answers. Well be right behind you. Darren gets into his car as the other guys start making a move into theirs. JULES MORGAN Oh, where are we going? Where else? DARREN SWINDELL Rainbow.

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Darren drives out of the parking lot and is followed closely by the four band members in Skylars beat-up, old station wagon. INT. RAINBOW BAR & GRILL DINING ROOM The five guys are sitting in the middle of the dining room having a conversation and while Helter Skelter may not have mainstream popularity anymore they are still well-known and respected inside this iconic restaurant. Patrons at other tables are staring at them while others periodically walk up to say a quick hello or to wish them well. DARREN SWINDELL You see, if theres one thing that America loves to see more than a fall from grace, its a good redemption story. This country is the land of second chances and they admire come(MORE)

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (contd) back kids. Were going to exploit that. FREDDIE MORGAN How are we going to do that? DARREN SWINDELL Youre not just going to do a reunion tour. Youre going to shock America and do a second album. And youre going to call that album, Ambush. Get it? (pauses) Look, Ive heard your new stuff at your shows, its good, album good. I have no problem releasing a lot of those songs to the public. An awkward male ADMIRER in his 30s, dressed like a heavy metal fan in all black and spiked hair, approaches their table. ADMIRER AT RAINBOW Excuse me. I just wanted to say, I just wanted to say that Im a big fan. I love your music. DAKOTA JAMES Thanks kid. FREDDIE MORGAN Yeah, rock hard. ADMIRER AT RAINBOW OK. The admirer nods his head and without knowing what to do next just decides to walk away. JULES MORGAN Sorry about all the interruptions. DARREN SWINDELL No, no, no problem at all. Thats great! You have loyal fans, I love it!

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese FREDDIE MORGAN Its amazing, we can go pretty much anywhere else and no one will care about us. But were still loved here, this place keeps it real. DAKOTA JAMES This place is like the land that time forgot. JULES MORGAN Thats because Rainbow is rock n roll man, unfiltered. DAKOTA JAMES I suppose. DARREN SWINDELL Hey guys, lets focus. Second album, concert tour, Ambush. What do you think? FREDDIE MORGAN I love it. DAKOTA JAMES Theres a couple problems with that though. DARREN SWINDELL Whats that? DAKOTA JAMES Lets not forget, people outside a nine block radius of this place think were nothing but a washed up band that can only play gigs in front of a few hundred people on the Stripand they think that because its true. Its not going to be easy to change the public perception of us, especially in this musical environment. Darren laughs and pats the back of Dakotas hand for reassurance. Oh Dakota. DARREN SWINDELL What you seem to forget (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DARREN SWINDELL (contd) is that you have the power of Geffen Records behind you. If we could make Whitesnake and Sammy Hagar a star, Im certain we can get your stars to shine brightly a second time. Plus, you have nostalgia on your side which doesnt hurt since you have a built in audience, we just have to reinvigorate them and give them a reason to care, we have to make you cool again, relevant. Thats what we do, thats our strength. (pauses) Are you ready to take it to the next level? DAKOTA JAMES Hell yeah we are. The four band members raise their glasses of diet coke over the middle of the table for a toast, joined by Darren who raises his scotch. DARREN SWINDELL Alright, lets hit the studios. The five guys take a drink to celebrate. Dakota sees his old nemesis boss, the Rainbow chef, walk by the table so he calls out to him. DAKOTA JAMES (mockingly) Oh excuse me, excuse me, sir.

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Chef?

The chef stops and rolls his eyes when he notices that its his old employee but he has to bite his tongue since hes a customer. RAINBOW CHEF Yes? DAKOTA JAMES Can we order some lentil soup and, oh I dont know, make us something special for dinner? Im thinking pasta with marinara and meatballs, maybe some shrimp and anchovies. I dont know (MORE)

Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) whatever you can do. Make sure its really special though, were celebrating tonight. (winks his eye at him) You got me buddy? RAINBOW CHEF (reluctantly) YesDakota. DAKOTA JAMES Please, have some manners and call me Mr. James. RAINBOW CHEF Yes Mr. James. Just as the chef begins walking away, Dakota calls him back. DAKOTA JAMES Oh, one more thing. RAINBOW CHEF Yes? Dakota flips him off in a show of his lingering hatred for his old boss. DAKOTA JAMES This is for you asshole. Again, the chef just has to suck it up before he walks away embarrassed. RAINBOW CHEF Thank you sir. Skylar holds up his glass of diet coke again for another toast. SKYLAR PENNINGTON Alright, lets party soberly! THE GUYS Here, here! The other guys lift their glasses and have another drink.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese EXT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - NIGHT A FEMALE MTV REPORTER is standing on the crowded plaza leading to the arena right before Helter Skelters first stadium show in over ten years. FEMALE MTV REPORTER And what can only be described as one of the most amazing comebacks in music history, Helter Skelter has finally followed up their first and only album which skyrocketed to the top of the charts a decade ago with their second album which has also reached #1 on the charts after nine weeks of release. Not only that but theyre back with their first arena tour since they broke up ten years ago. Six arrests, five divorces, four rehab stints, three overdoses, two paternity suits and one violent fight between them later, the band members finally decided to put their differences behind them and reunite all for the love of music. But the band will have you know that this aint no reunion tour, its just a continuation of where they left off a decade ago, but they ensure us that this time theyre here to stay. Were here live in front of the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden in New York City, to witness firsthand the triumphant return of Helter Skelter to the big stage for the first time since the 1980s. As the reporter finishes up, a mix of several younger and older fans, mostly guys, jump in front of the camera and scream out in excitement. Some of them also flash the sign of devil. INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ARENA FLOOR Fans in the sold out arena, many of whom are wearing black Helter Skelter t-shirts, are screaming at the top of their lungs waiting in anticipation for Helter Skelter to take the stage for their first arena concert in over a decade.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese BACKSTAGE The four band members are huddled together as the arena walls and floor shake from the crowds loud chanting. CROWD (O.S.) Helter Skelter! Helter Skelter! Helter Skelter! FREDDIE MORGAN Im going to keep it simple tonight. Lets have a good show and kick ass. DAKOTA JAMES And lets rock hard like old times. FREDDIE MORGAN Always. The four guys put their arms up in the middle of their circle and touch hands. JULES MORGAN On three. HELTER SKELTER One, two, three, AMBUSH! ON STAGE The lights go out in the arena which makes the crowd go even more nuts. With the lights off, many in the crowd hold their lighters up in preparation for the bands arrival. Tension builds as the lights remain off for several seconds, then suddenly theres an explosion of fire and an impressive pyrotechnic display as the four band members are revealed to be standing in the middle of the stage. The crowd goes wild as they finally see Helter Skelter. The band members just stand there for a while soaking up all the attention that theyve missed out on for the last decade. As the wild applause finally begins to die down, the guys shake each others hands then take their places around the stage.

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese The band begins to jam to Metallicas Enter Sandman as the crowd goes wild again. DAKOTA JAMES Say your prayers little one Don't forget my son To include everyone I tuck you in, warm within Keep you free from sin 'Til the sandman he comes Sleep with one eye open Gripping your pillow tight Exit light, Enter night Take my hand We're off to never-never land Something's wrong, shut the light Heavy thoughts tonight And they aren't of Snow White Dreams of war, dreams of liars Dreams of dragon's fire And of things that will bite, yeah Sleep with one eye open Gripping your pillow tight Exit light, Enter night Take my hand, We're off to never-never land Now I lay me down to sleep Now I lay me down to sleep Pray the lord my soul to keep Pray the lord my soul to keep If I die before I wake If I die before I wake Pray the lord my soul to take Pray the lord my soul to take Hush little baby don't say a word And never mind that noise you heard It's just the beasts under your bed In your closet in your head Exit light, Enter night Grain of sand Exit light, Enter night Take my hand We're off to never-never land Boo! Yeah yeah! We're off to never-never land Take my hand We're off to never-never land Take my hand (MORE)

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Sunset Strip Original Screenplay by Jason Wiese DAKOTA JAMES (contd) We're off to never-never land We're off to never-never land We're off to never-never land The band takes a long, extended bow to the audience as the crowd goes wild at the end of the song. Theyre back! Dakota flashes a thumbs up to Freddie, who shoots him a smile and gives him a thumbs up back. END CREDITS ROLL As the end credits roll in the foreground, Helter Skelter breaks into their next song, Metallicas Fade to Black, in the background. DAKOTA JAMES Life it seems will fade away Drifting further every day Getting lost within myself Nothing matters, no one else I have lost the will to live Simply nothing more to give There is nothing more for me Need the end to set me free Things not what they used to be Missing one inside of me Deathly lost, this can't be real Cannot stand this hell I feel Emptiness is filling me To the point of agony Growing darkness taking dawn I was me but now he's gone No one but me can save myself But it's too late Now I can't think Think why I should even try Yesterday seems as though It never existed Death greets me warm Now I will just say goodbye FADE OUT

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